Introduction
The Oral Health International Foundation (OHIF) is a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to improving access to dental care and promoting oral health worldwide. The foundation supports community-based dental initiatives, grants for charitable oral health projects, and programs that expand access to care for underserved populations.
By funding dental equipment, community clinics, and preventive health programs, the organization helps improve health outcomes and quality of life for communities that lack adequate oral healthcare services. Since its establishment, the foundation has supported hundreds of initiatives designed to bring essential dental care to people in need globally.
History and Background
The origins of the Oral Health International Foundation trace back to 1985, when the Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy was established to provide scholarships and grants supporting the dental profession and public health initiatives.
A key milestone occurred in 1995, when Dr. Fernando Brenes-Espinach left the majority of his estate to the foundation, enabling expanded grantmaking for dental and oral medicine projects worldwide.
The foundation’s first grant that same year provided protective mouthguards for athletes participating in the Special Olympics, marking the beginning of its global charitable activities.
To reflect its expanding global mission, the organization formally adopted the name Oral Health International Foundation in 2025, signaling a broader commitment to advancing oral healthcare access internationally.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Oral Health International Foundation is to expand access to oral healthcare and improve dental health outcomes for underserved populations worldwide.
Core Objectives
The foundation focuses on several strategic priorities:
- Supporting charitable dental care initiatives
- Expanding access to preventive and restorative oral healthcare
- Funding community-based dental programs in underserved regions
- Strengthening the global dental profession through scholarships and education
The organization recognizes that oral health is closely linked to overall health and wellbeing. Poor oral health can affect eating, speaking, education, and employment opportunities, making access to dental care a critical global health issue.
Governance and Structure
The Oral Health International Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees and executive leadership team responsible for strategic oversight and grant administration.
Leadership Structure
The foundation is led by a volunteer board consisting primarily of dental professionals and experts in oral healthcare.
Key leadership roles include:
- President – Michael Schafhauser, DDS
- Vice President – Gary Lowder, DDS
- Treasurer – Michael Perpich, DDS
- Grants Chair – Lynne Halik, DDS
- Executive Director – Jennifer Teale
This leadership structure helps ensure strong governance, professional expertise, and accountability in grantmaking and program implementation.
Funding and Grants
Grantmaking is a central component of the foundation’s work. The organization funds projects that improve dental services and expand access to oral healthcare globally.
Share A Smile Grants Program
One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is the Share A Smile Grants Program, which provides financial support to organizations delivering dental care to underserved populations.
Grant Focus Areas
Funding typically supports:
- Dental equipment and instruments
- Clinical supplies and laboratory costs
- Community dental programs
- Oral health outreach initiatives
Organizations can apply for funding annually, typically between March 1 and June 1, for projects to be implemented the following year.
Funding Impact
Since its founding, the foundation has:
- Awarded more than 850 grants worldwide
- Distributed over $6 million in grant funding
- Helped more than 1 million people access dental care
Major Programs and Initiatives
- Share A Smile Global Grant Program
- This program supports charitable dental projects that provide preventive and restorative dental care in underserved communities worldwide.
- Community Dental Outreach
- The foundation funds mobile clinics, community dental missions, and outreach initiatives designed to deliver care in remote or underserved areas.
- Dental Student Scholarships
- From 1996 to 2024, the foundation awarded scholarships to dental students in the United States and internationally, providing more than $2.5 million in financial support to future dental professionals.
Although the scholarship program was paused in 2025, it played an important role in strengthening the dental workforce and supporting future leaders in oral health.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Over the past several decades, the Oral Health International Foundation has supported numerous initiatives aimed at improving oral health outcomes globally.
Key Impact Highlights
- Funding dental programs in underserved communities worldwide
- Providing protective mouthguards for Special Olympics athletes
- Supporting dental equipment and supplies for charitable clinics
- Expanding access to oral health services in low-resource settings
Overall, the foundation’s initiatives have improved access to dental care for over one million people, helping communities receive preventive treatment and restore healthy smiles.
These projects contribute to better public health outcomes by preventing dental disease and supporting long-term oral health awareness.
Conclusion
The Oral Health International Foundation plays a critical role in advancing oral healthcare globally through grants, community initiatives, and support for dental professionals.
By funding innovative dental programs and supporting organizations that provide care to underserved populations, the foundation continues to improve oral health outcomes for communities worldwide.
Through its commitment to expanding access to dental services and promoting preventive care, the Oral Health International Foundation is helping build a future where everyone has access to essential oral healthcare and the opportunity to live healthier lives.
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