Our impact is made possible by volunteer dental professionals, community organisations, supporters, donors and partners working together to improve access to care.
Our Impact in FY26
In FY26, volunteer dental professionals and practices across Australia continued to provide life-changing care to patients who would otherwise have limited access to treatment.
FY26 at a glance
2,153 dental appointments provided
266 participating dental practices
$1,063,761 in treatment delivered
81 Rebuilding Smiles® cases completed
Programs delivered across every state and territory
More than $10 million in cumulative pro bono treatment delivered since inception
National Reach
Our volunteer programs operate throughout Australia, ensuring support is available in metropolitan, regional and rural communities.
FY26 appointments delivered:
NSW – 1,032
WA – 615
QLD – 214
VIC – 117
SA – 94
TAS – 40
ACT – 31
NT – 10
Volunteer Programs
The Foundation works closely with registered charities and not-for-profit organisations to identify people experiencing significant barriers to dental care. Referrals are then connected with volunteer dental professionals who provide treatment at no cost to the patient.
Adopt a Patient
The Adopt a Patient program provides comprehensive dental treatment for people requiring care over multiple appointments. During FY26, the program supported 815 patients through 1,226 appointments, delivered by volunteer dental practices across Australia. Many patients were experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, mental health challenges, recovery from alcohol and other drug dependency, domestic and family violence or other forms of social disadvantage.
Rebuilding Smiles®
Founded in 2016, Rebuilding Smiles® supports individuals affected by domestic and family violence. Participants may have experienced dental trauma directly or have ongoing oral health issues due to delayed access to treatment. During FY26, 81 cases were completed nationally, helping survivors restore not only their oral health but also their confidence and wellbeing.
Dental Rescue Days®
Dental Rescue Days® bring entire dental teams together to provide treatment for multiple patients during dedicated volunteer sessions. In FY26, 17 Dental Rescue Days® were delivered nationally, providing 398 appointments for patients in need. These events help reduce waiting lists, address urgent dental concerns and connect vulnerable individuals with ongoing care pathways.
Community Partnerships
The success of the Foundation relies on strong partnerships with community organisations that support individuals facing disadvantage. These organisations work directly with clients experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, domestic and family violence, social isolation, disability, mental health challenges and recovery from substance dependence. Together, we help identify those most in need and connect them with volunteer care.
Healthier Smiles Community Service Grants
In addition to direct treatment programs, the Foundation supports projects that improve oral health outcomes in underserved communities through the Healthier Smiles Community Service Grants program. Recent projects have delivered oral health education, screening, treatment and prevention services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disability, asylum seekers, refugees, rural communities and other groups experiencing barriers to care.
First Nations Study Grants
Supporting the next generation of oral health professionals
The ADA Dental Health Foundation is committed to improving long-term oral health outcomes and reducing inequality in access to education. Through its First Nations Study Grants program, the Foundation provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing careers in oral health.
The grants are designed to help reduce the financial barriers associated with study and clinical training, while supporting students to complete their qualifications and contribute to improving oral health outcomes within their communities. By investing in the next generation of oral health professionals, the Foundation is helping to build a stronger, more representative workforce that can support culturally safe and accessible oral healthcare across Australia.
The program forms part of the Foundation's broader commitment to addressing oral health inequity by supporting both immediate access to treatment and long-term solutions that strengthen community health outcomes.
The People Behind the Impact
Every appointment, every restored smile and every successful outcome is made possible by an extraordinary network of volunteer dentists, specialists, hygienists, oral health therapists, dental assistants, laboratories, community partners, donors and supporters. Their generosity allows vulnerable Australians to access care that can transform their health, confidence and future opportunities.