Deadline: 01-Jun-2026

The Oral Health International Foundation provides grants to support dental projects that improve access to oral health services worldwide. Funding focuses on essential dental instruments, disposable supplies, laboratory fees, and treatment-related equipment, helping communities in need achieve better oral health outcomes.

Overview of the Foundation

The Oral Health International Foundation was established in 1986 to provide financial assistance to communities and practitioners lacking adequate access to dental care. Over the years, the Foundation has awarded more than 850 grants worldwide, distributing a total of $6,000,000 to support practical dental initiatives that directly benefit patients and underserved communities.

The Foundation’s grants strengthen dental care programs by enabling providers to obtain essential instruments, equipment, and laboratory services required for treatment. This targeted support improves patient outcomes and expands the reach of oral health services in resource-limited areas.

Key Areas of Funding

The Foundation focuses on practical and treatment-oriented dental needs, including:

• Small and large instruments required for dental treatment

• Disposable medical equipment and supplies used in clinical settings

• Instrument rental necessary for procedures

• Laboratory fees associated with dental services

Who is Eligible?

• Dental practitioners and organisations providing services to underserved communities

• Applicants must demonstrate that funds will be used for direct patient care and treatment-related needs

• Projects must fall outside of government-funded programs or services already supported through tax revenue

Funding Limitations

The Foundation maintains clear boundaries on ineligible expenses. The following are not funded:

• University or institutional costs, essays, or research activities

• Salaries, travel, and accommodation costs

• Questionnaires, surveys, or patient/dental literature such as websites, brochures, or videos

• Capital projects, insurance, computers or IT support, land or building purchases

• Social services not directly related to dental care

• Volunteer support items such as t-shirts, food, or accommodations

• Fundraising events, advertising, promotional activities, or contributions to general funds of other organisations

How to Apply

1. Identify a dental project that improves access to oral health services and aligns with the Foundation’s funding focus.

2. Prepare a detailed budget specifying instruments, supplies, rental fees, or lab costs.

3. Submit the application demonstrating the direct impact on patient care and service delivery.

4. Await evaluation and approval based on the Foundation’s funding criteria and available resources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Requesting funding for salaries, travel, or administrative costs

• Including research projects, essays, or survey work

• Applying for general organisational expenses or unrelated social services

• Submitting applications for projects already covered by government funding

• Requesting support for volunteer perks or promotional activities

FAQs

1. What types of dental projects are supported?
Projects that improve access to oral health services through instruments, disposable supplies, laboratory fees, and procedural equipment.

2. Who can apply for a grant?
Dental practitioners and organisations serving underserved communities worldwide.

3. Are salaries or travel costs eligible for funding?
No, the Foundation does not fund salaries, travel, or accommodation expenses.

4. Can research or university projects receive funding?
No, funding is limited to practical dental care needs, not research or educational activities.

5. Are general organisational expenses eligible?
No, only costs directly related to patient care and dental treatment are supported.

6. How much funding is available per project?
Funding amounts vary depending on project needs and available resources. Applicants should provide a detailed budget for review.

7. Are capital projects or equipment unrelated to dental treatment supported?
No, the Foundation does not fund capital projects, IT equipment, land or building purchases, or social services unrelated to dental care.

Conclusion

The Oral Health International Foundation plays a critical role in improving global access to dental care by funding practical, treatment-oriented projects. By supporting essential instruments, supplies, and laboratory services, the Foundation helps providers deliver better oral health outcomes and bring healthier smiles to underserved communities worldwide.

For more information, visit Oral Health International Foundation.