2023

ANNUAL REPORT

Transforming Lives, One Smile at A Time

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As I reflect on this past year, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible strides the Michigan Dental Association Foundation has made. This year’s Annual Report is not just a summary of our activities; it’s a celebration of the lives we’ve transformed, one smile at a time.

The theme of transformation is at the heart of everything we do. Our 2023 year-end campaign saw an extraordinary 85% increase in giving, showcasing the growing commitment of our supporters. The 2024 Sparkling Smiles Celebration was another testament to this commitment, with a record 180 attendees and a 29% boost in revenue. This momentum continued with the Mission of Mercy, where donations exceeded our goal by over 30%, and three new planned gift arrangements were established by generous MDA members.

The newly established Karen Burgess Scholarship Fund has been a significant milestone. With heartfelt contributions, we now have approximately $245,000 in this fund, dedicated to nurturing future dental leaders. This fund represents our commitment to transforming not just smiles, but the futures of aspiring dental professionals.

The impact of your support has been felt far and wide. This year, the MDAF Board approved $117,500 in grants to community clinics, a staggering 119% increase since 2021. We’re on track to award $41,000 in scholarships in 2024, including the Karen Burgess Scholarship, which stands as the largest scholarship in our Foundation’s history. These funds are more than numbers; they are stories of transformed lives and new opportunities.

The 2024 Mission of Mercy (MOM) was a powerful demonstration of community spirit and compassion. Over two days, we provided essential dental care to 659 individuals from 35 Michigan counties, with the help of 1,300 dedicated volunteers. The value of care donated reached more than $1.1 million, a 30% increase from our last MOM event in 2018. This event also highlighted the critical issue of access to dental care, with key visits from the mayor of Flint and several Michigan legislators who witnessed firsthand the profound impact of our work.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that MOM events will become a biannual tradition, doubling our efforts to transform lives through dental care.

Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. Your generosity and support are the driving forces behind every smile we help create.

Together, we are transforming lives, one smile at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dan Peters, DDS - President, MDA Foundation

Michigan Dental Association Foundation Leadership

BOARD OFFICERS

Daniel Peters, DDS

President

Cameron Elrod

Vice President

Theodore Schumann, II

Secretary/Treasurer

BOARD OF directors

Reem Al-Abbousi, DDS

Noah Bradley

Leonard Bartoszewicz, DDS

Chad Cunningham

Andrew Dwan, DDS

Nancy Harmon, RDH

Elizabeth Knudsen, DDS

Christina Luna

Dawsar Najor

Shanelle Pearse, DDS

Beth Rosenberg, DDS

Marvin Sonne, DDS

Impact Stories

Malta Dental and Medical Clinic: A Story of Two Brothers

The older brother, age 21, came with a toothache. We were able to provide an extraction the day of the appointment. His need was urgent, as he had never been to the dentist. He had total coverage of his teeth with calculus. He did not brush his teeth because he did not like mint toothpaste and his parents refused to purchase anything other than mint toothpaste. At his visit, we were able to relieve his pain, clean his teeth, and educate him on how to properly brush. His appointment was so impactful that he brought his younger brother, age 19, in for an appointment. He was in the same situation as his older brother. We have seen a dramatic difference in these two young men as their self-worth, confidence, and humor show as their smiles improve.

hope Clinic

Earlier this year we saw a female patient who was in considerable pain. After radiographs were taken and an oral exam performed, Dr. Mark Cooks (our dental director/staff dentist) determined that a root canal was needed. Our team contacted Dr. Brian Meade (endodontist) who performed the root canal within the week at no charge. Then Dr. Marnie Grant was contacted, and she began work on a crown for the patient, also within the same week. The patient was speechless and very grateful.

Dental student, Bletsas Scholarship Recipient Learned First-Hand What a Difference a Nice Smile Can Make

Maya Scott, an underrepresented minority group member, had heard about the patients the dental school serves due to the demographics of its location and desired to work with underserved populations. “My passion for dental health is deeply rooted in my desire to advocate for underrepresented minorities and address the significant health disparities they face,” she wrote in her application for the MDA Foundation’s George L. Bletsas Scholarship Fund for D3 students at Detroit Mercy Dental. “I’ve personally experienced the challenges of being unheard and lacking access to adequate dental care, which fuels my determination to make a meaningful impact within the dental community.”

She was granted the scholarship for $3,000, three times the amount she had anticipated. “My eyes definitely got big when I got the letter advising me of the $3,000 award. I am very grateful for it,” Scott said. “The extra funds will be so helpful. I will be going on a dental mission to Jamaica in March and the extra funds will help with it and with day-to-day living expenses.”

Dr. Gary Burstein Community Health Clinic

Addressing patient demand has been a persistent challenge. With an estimated 24,000 uninsured adults in Oakland County, the need for dental services continues to grow. Meeting this demand requires innovative approaches and collaborative efforts with community stakeholders.

MDAF grant has been instrumental in advancing the clinic’s mission to provide quality dental care to uninsured adults in Oakland County. Through a partnership with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, volunteer dental professionals, and supportive funders, the clinic has made significant strides in expanding access to dental services and nurturing future health care professionals.

The Michigan Dental Association Foundation’s generous support, has empowered the clinic to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

Financial overview

The Michigan Dental Association Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1995. The organization provides scholarships for future dental professionals and grants to organizations providing dental care to people who need it most. The uninsured, under-insured, working poor, elderly, and indigent. Each year the MDA Foundation awards grants to organizations providing access to dental care for disadvantaged individuals. These funds create an immediate positive impact to communities across Michigan.

Financial Report

program

$156,694 was provided to Access to Care and Scholarships to dental and hygiene students

2023 Revenue

Achievements & Milestones

Access to Care 2023 Grant Recipients

In 2023, The MDA Foundation issued $109,500 in grants

Grants were issued to organizations for oral health care to uninsured, impoverished, under-served communities throughout Michigan. The MDA Foundation’s grant dollars are an important part of Michigan’s health safety net. Nearly all grant money provides access to care for those in need around the state

2023

Carefree Dental of Dickinson and Florence, Iron Mountain
Detroit Mercy Dental, Detroit
Exalta, Grand Rapids
Gary Burnstein Clinic, Pontiac
Holland Free Dental Clinic, Holland
HOPE Clinic, Ypsilanti
HUDA Clinic, Detroit
Love in Action, Grand Haven
Malta Clinic, Detroit
My Community Dental Centers, Battle Creek, Detroit, Harrison
Special Olympics of Michigan, Mt. Pleasant
University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor
Victors 4 Veterans, Ann Arbor/Brighton
VINA Clinic, Brighton

2023 Scholarship Recipients

10 Future Dentists, 2 Hygienists Grateful to MDA Foundation for Financial Support

In a record-breaking show of generosity, the MDA Foundation awarded 12 students with scholarships last fall. The funds will help them pursue their careers in oral health. The scholarships totaled $31,000, which was twice as much as was distributed in 2022. Three of the dental students are enrolled in the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School, seven are from the University of Michigan Dental School. The two hygiene students are from Mott Community College and Macomb Community College. In addition, the MDA Foundation receive from the highest number of scholarship applicants ever in 2023.

Rachel Kayongo

A University of Detroit Mercy D4 student and an Ugandan immigrant, she received two scholarships totaling $4,500; the Dr. Ray Gist Leadership Scholarship for $2,500 and $2,000 for a Dr. Robert Mitus Dental Scholarship. Kayongo strives to be the first Ugandan dentist in her community and will use her scholarship dollars to help fund a dental mission to her home country.
Elise DeConinck

A University of Michigan D3 student, Elise received $4,000 in scholarships, including $2,000 each for the Dr. Robert Mitus Dental Scholarship and Dr. John G. Nolen Scholarship. She is a third-generation dentist and is president of the U-M Class of 2025. She is her dental school’s sole representative on its strategic planning committee and representative for the CODA re-accreditation process. DeConinck is the project leader for the Victors for Veterans program, among other leadership positions.
Claudia Larochelle

A UD Mercy D3 student, Claudia obtained scholarships totaling $3,500. She received $2,500 for the Dr. Gary and Nancy Jeffers Scholarship and $1,000 for the Dr. William Schumann Scholarship. At the time of her application, she was president of the Detroit Mercy Dental ASDA chapter, and a student member of the MDA’s access to care committee.
Maya Scott, Yahya Tajour, and Samantha Pray

Each received $3,000 in scholarships. Scott, a D3 student from Detroit Mercy Dental, took the Dr. George Bletsas Scholarship. Tajour, a D2 from U-M School of Dentistry, received the Genessee District Dental society Dental Scholarship, and Pray, Mott Community College, received the Genesee District Dental Society Dental Hygiene Scholarship.
Vanessa Mitchell and Di Zie

Each received a Dr. Robert Mitus Dental Scholarship for $2,000. Four Dr. Mitus Dental Scholarships for $2,000 were awarded last year, for the first time. Mitchell and Zie were U-M D4 students at the time they applied for the scholarship.
Amanda Kelly and Ashraf Kheder

Each received $1,500 in scholarships. Kelly, U-M D4, received the MDA Insurance & Financial Group Scholarship for $1,000, and the $500 Kinra Endodontic Scholarship. Kheder U-M D4, received a Washtenaw District Dental Society Scholarship.
Tommy Lau

U-M D4, also received a $1,500 Washtenaw District Dental Society Scholarship.

Event Highlights

$111,000 Raised at sparkling smiles celebration event; mini-grant awarded

Absolutely incredible! The generosity of the 2024 MDA Foundation’s Sparkling Smiles sponsors and attendees was astounding. Despite a lower attendance than last year’s gathering, the April 17 event raised a record breaking $111,000 – blowing away the previous record set in 2023 by $30,000.

One organization benefited immediately from the Sparkling Smiles event, taking home a $2,500 mini-grant to help continue its access to care mission. For the second consecutive year, the Holland Free Dental Clinic received the mini-grant, awarded via a drawing that included all the free dental clinics the Foundation helps support. The Holland Free Dental Clinic serves the Holland-Zeeland area and works with patients 18 years and older whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, have limited assets, or who are uninsured or underinsured. Cleanings, oral exams, fillings, extractions, oral surgery, dentures, and specialty care are provided by the clinic, which relies on volunteers to deliver services.

A moving keynote address by Todd J. Duckett, a former professional football player and CEO of Duckett Enterprises, motivated attendees to open their wallets. Duckett spoke of the challenges he faced as a child who had a gap-toothed smile, and how he endured more teasing when he received orthodontic care. He lauded the MDA Foundation and MDA members for their work on the Mission of Mercy, held in Flint in June, saying that helping end dental pain and embarrassment is a life-changing experience for those who receive care. His impassioned plea for the Foundation to continue supporting future dentists through scholarships and further access to care through grants proved to be both emotional and motivating.

The following generously supported the 2024 Sparkling Smiles event. Please support these organizations when you can: DBS Investment Advisers; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Comerica Bank; Priority Health, which powers the MDA Health Plan, Kerr-Russell; Brian Goldman; The Goldman Group; MDA Services; MDA Insurance; DDS Match; Digital Dental Systems; ASAP Printing; Garrison Dental Solutions; Dinka Dental Group; Lavender Dental Group; JXM; My Community Dental Centers; and DMMEX EasyRefine.

Flint-area Mission of Mercy Transforms Lives, Relieves Pain, and Restores Confidence for Uninsured, Insured Alike

After a six-year hiatus, the MDA Foundation hosted the decade’s first Mission of Mercy free dental clinic June 14-15, helping anyone who needed dental care obtain it without regard for insured status, income or residency. When the Flint clinic closed its doors June 15 at about 6 p.m., 659 patients had received 6,678 dental procedures, valued at $1,156,285. That represents a 30% increase in the value of treatment over the last MOM in 2018. Patients received an average of 10 procedures each. The 120-chair dental clinic at the Dort Financial Center was set up by volunteers on June 13 and torn down June 16. Patients who wanted care took no chance of being left out. They waited in line overnight to ensure they would be among the first to receive care the next day.

Community Support and Resources Are Key

The entire Flint community was supportive of the MOM effort. Hurley Medical Center stood ready as the emergency treatment provider for anyone who had a health care crisis while at the MOM.

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a $70,000 grant to the MDA Foundation to help fund the MOM. In-kind donations included: MTA bus service to bring people to the site and to be on stand-by in case they’re needed, and so many more. Flint has been so supportive.” For more information on sponsors, contributors and in-kind donations, please see the nearby listing.

Very Special Patients

There were so many moving stories about needed care from patients attending the MOM.

“Grandpa” Joe Snider is a Flint school bus driver who is also a street musician, playing the cello to entertain passersby. At age 77, he had a baby tooth in the front of his mouth that finally fell out, leaving an unsightly gap. When Grandpa Joe learned that the MOM was coming to Flint, he volunteered for set-up duties, and then entertained volunteers by playing the cello while they at lunch and dinner. He received hygiene care and a flipper to fill his gap-toothed smile and was ecstatic. He was especially happy that he could give back as well as receive care.

Vincent, a partially disabled veteran, was also in line at 6 a.m. Saturday. He was happy that everything proceeded quickly so he could have his teeth cleaned, obtain a couple of extractions, and receive two flippers. Because he is not 100% disabled, the Veteran’s Administration does not provide the much-needed dental care for him, Vincent explained. “The people here are adorable,” he said. “They are all so helpful. I am so appreciative of being able to get this care for free.

Looking to the Future

The MOM’s charitable dentistry will be continued in June 11-14, 2026, in Kalamazoo. Local leads have already volunteered to help coordinate the event.

“I am extremely optimistic the MOM tradition will continue,” says Dr. Dan Peters. “The fundraising for this event went extremely well. We budgeted $347,000 and we raised over $460,000, which is remarkable. The Flint community was amazing and so supportive.

Fundraising

We surpassed our MOM fundraising goal of $347,000 and raised $463,000!

Total income = $463,000

IN-KIND

$180K

CASH

$283K

MOM 2024 patient Testimonials

“Dr. Vincent Benivegna and son Mike Benivegna, Tina Alwood, Tessa Lawson, YOU ARE MY HEROES! I suffered for years with a failed implant that looks normal but had granulosis. Thank you for giving me my health and smile back! Your service is necessary. Thank you to all volunteers.”
“So grateful this is put on every few years! I have been first in line every time every year - it’s such a blessing to be able to come here and save thousands and thousands of dollars! Thank you to each & every one of you!”
“I’ll rank it as a 10, but if I could give it a 20 I would!”
“So very thankful that I got to come here today. It was a great experience and everyone was so kind. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this day fun. God Bless Mission of Mercy 6-14-24.“
“This was the best thing to happen to me this year. To get my teeth fixed. You guys are awesome. Everyone and the volunteers rocked.”
“I enjoyed the professionalism of the whole operation. The benefits of dental health cannot be expressed enough.”
“Excellent work you all are performing. Thank God for you ALL!”
“Thanks for making dental work less scary.”
“Need more of this free care”
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity. Leaving with a new smile that I’m comfortable with means the world! Thank you! You are angels!”
“Just appreciate all services and all people, very helpful and good service. Good helpful, needful, and caring. Thank you all.”
“You guys are simply the best! Thank you so much! I will pass the word!”
“This has changed my life. I couldn’t afford my dental and I was deathly afraid. I just suffered in silence. Thank you all! I love all of you. Such an amazing gift. Everyone was so kind!”“This has changed my life. I couldn’t afford my dental and I was deathly afraid. I just suffered in silence. Thank you all! I love all of you. Such an amazing gift. Everyone was so kind!”
“First of all, thank you all for your excellent service today. I have learned how to floss more regularly from the service today. Brush my teeth not only once, but twice a day! They fixed my front chipped teeth until it was like perfect. Thank you all, I appreciated it very much!”