A Message from Dr. David K. Curtis

Last year we announced a new direction for Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children - providing access to quality oral health care to underserved and disadvantaged children. At the halfway point of the first grant cycle, Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children's five currently funded access to care initiatives are successfully working toward meeting the oral health needs of over 238,000 children this year. We are very excited for the success of these projects and honored to be able to contribute to their success!

I am also happy to report that HSHC had an overwhelming response to our call for grant applications again this year. In September, we received 132 letters of intent for Access to Care initiatives totaling $2,406,169. In addition, we received 17 applications for Oral Health Research grants and three applications for the Future Dental Researcher Fellowship. Stay tuned for the announcement of our second round of grant recipients at our 64th Annual Session in May.

Speaking of our upcoming Annual Session, this year HSHC will be honoring those individuals who have so generously given to our foundation at the Leader's Circle level and above by celebrating the bright lights and city sights of old Broadway at our annual Donor Appreciation Gala. Our gala will be held at the prestigious Harvard Club of New York in the heart of the famed Theater District. This event is by invitation only, however, there will be a limited number of tickets available to purchase at $500 each. The proceeds from the sale of these tickets will go directly toward the foundation's access to care initiatives. For more information please contact Paul Amundsen at (312) 337-2169 or e-mail pamundsen@aapd.org.

Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children will once again host our popular Donor's Lounge in the Exhibit Hall. Make it a point to stop by, take a break, and learn more about HSHC and the wonderful things your foundation is doing.

2011 looks to be an exciting and promising year for Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children! Thanks to you, our foundation continues to grow and is stronger than ever. We are dedicated to supporting service, education and research through our exciting new initiatives to ensure that our children have access to the care they deserve. You can be a part of the excitement with a gift to Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children today. Together we can make a difference!

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in New York!

David K. Curtis, D.M.D.
President