Transforming Smiles with South Dakota Dental Foundation
A healthy smile has the power to change lives, and thanks to a $30,000 grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) South Dakota Fund, South Dakota Dental Foundation (SDDF) is making that transformation possible for even more people across the state.
As a nonprofit sister organization to South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA), SDDF is dedicated to improving oral health through education, advocacy and direct support. SDDF focuses on serving those who need it most—elderly and disabled individuals, underserved children in need of orthodontic care, aspiring dental professionals and communities lacking access to preventive dental services.
SDCF Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, joined the Executive Director of both SDDA and SDDF, Paul Knecht, to discuss how the South Dakota Fund grant is helping SDDF expand its impact in South Dakota.
This new funding will have a profound impact, fueling programs that bring essential dental care to underserved populations. One of SDDF’s flagship initiatives, the Donated Dental Services program, connects elderly and disabled patients with compassionate volunteer dentists who provide life-changing care—free of charge. This initiative not only restores smiles but also enhances overall health, confidence and quality of life for South Dakota’s most vulnerable residents.
Paul shared one example of the vital role SDDF’s Donated Dental Services program serves. “Recently a patient who had been diagnosed with oral cancer had to have dental work done to begin the radiation treatment they so desperately needed. Our program was able to step in and match this patient with a volunteer dentist to get her needs addressed as soon as possible so she could continue her treatment plan.”
Beyond direct care, SDDF also champions prevention and education programs for children, funds scholarships to support the next generation of dental professionals and collaborates with organizations that serve individuals with dental-related needs. By investing in both immediate care and long-term solutions, SDDF is shaping a healthier future for communities statewide.
The South Dakota Fund plays a crucial role in empowering nonprofits to make lasting change. With this latest grant, SDDF is one step closer to ensuring every South Dakotan—regardless of age, ability or financial status—has access to the dental care they need to thrive.
Our program was able to step in and match this patient with a volunteer dentist to get her needs addressed as soon as possible so she could continue her treatment plan.
“Applying for the South Dakota Fund Grant was such a positive experience for us. It was very straightforward, and we are so thrilled to turn these grant funds into results for the people we hope to help across South Dakota.” shared Paul.
When looking to the future, Paul hopes to create a legacy of care moving forward. As SDDF seeks partners with more caring and compassionate dentists, they are expanding their reach and building a brighter future in South Dakota–one smile at a time. When asked what philanthropy means to him, Paul shared, “Philanthropy makes the world go round. This work is so gratifying.”