ISDS Foundation

Illinois Dental Students, turn your dental story into cash! The ISDS Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship Program. To learn more about the rules and to apply, go to: https://www.isds.org/foundation/programs/scholarships

The ISDS Foundation is excited to share a list of upcoming free dental care events and clinics in Illinois that are currently seeking volunteers. If you’re interested in lending a hand - whether you’re a dental professional, student, or just want to help out - these organizations would love your support. To view list to volunteer, go to: https://www.isds.org/news-details/2026/03/05/volunteersfreedentalcareevents

On Friday, February 27, Dental Access Days provided over $28,000 in free dental care to 29 individuals in need, thanks to the efforts of 16 volunteer providers—six of whom were new to the team. Most patients were referred by Journeys | The Road Home, which supports people facing homelessness in the north and northwest Chicago suburbs, while others came from Wings, an organization helping battered women and children.

The event was generously hosted by Harvest Bible Chapel, whose support helped create an ideal environment for the clinic. Industry partners Voco and SDI were on-site, and Swietzer Family Dental supplied lunch and coffee for volunteers.

Looking ahead, Dental Access Days will team up with Breakthrough Ministries in Garfield Park on April 24, and with Family Matters at Gale Elementary in Rogers Park on May 23. Those interested in volunteering or connecting dental professionals to future clinics are encouraged to reach out.

Want to learn how to volunteer? Contact : Bill McKinley, Clinic Coordinator, Dental Access Days at 847-951-1141.

SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, August 27, 2026 12:00 Noon Start
ISDSF Golf Outing - TPC Deere Run Silvis, IL
TPC Deer Run's championship course was featured as one of America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses by Golf Digest!
Join us for a great day of golf!

Thursday, August 27, 2026 6:00 pm Boarding Time
Celebration Dinner Cruise Fundraiser
Come aboard for a Dinner Cruise you will never forget. This dinner cruise offers a special night out on the mighty Mississippi River, while traveling in style on the "Celebration Belle".

Watch for registration in early May! For more information on these events, go to: https://www.isds.org/foundation/events

Attention Illinois Dental School third-year students (Class of 2027) and third-year advanced standing students! Apply now for the ISDS Foundation Scholarships for 2026. Scholarships are $6,000 each (two for each dental school in Illinois). To read more about the program requirements, go to: https://www.isds.org/foundation/programs/scholarships

GIVING TUESDAY - December 2, 2025!
The ISDS Foundation wishes to thank all of those who have contributed to our mission in 2025! Because of your generous donations, you have supported programs such as Community Grants, Scholarships, Dental Education, and the Dentists Relief Program. These programs positively impact oral healthcare now and in the future! To continue supporting the ISDS Foundation, please consider donating today by visiting: https://www.isds.org/foundation/donate

The ISDS Foundation would like to send our sincere thanks to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception for their generous $5,000 donation!

This gift helps continue the ISDSF mission to improve the oral health of children, families, and individuals throughout the state by expanding access to care and increasing dental education and awareness. We thank you for your support! ❤🦷

Alone, scared, and hopeless, such feelings of despair can grip dentists who are struggling with addiction. Oftentimes, they feel there is nowhere to turn. Yet with the help of a program offered through the ISDS Foundation, dentists can anonymously secure necessary help.

The Dentists Support Program provides a referral system for dentists who are struggling with the problem of alcohol or substance abuse and are in need of treatment assistance.

For more information regarding this program, or to reach out for help, go to: https://www.isds.org/.../programs/dentists-support-program

The ISDS Foundation’s scholarship selection process shines a spotlight on the next generation of dental leaders—students whose curiosity, compassion, and insight promise to reshape the future of oral health in Illinois. This year, from a remarkable pool of 37 applicants representing all three dental schools in the state, six students—two from each institution—rose to the top. It was a year of firsts, too: for the first time, every single winner was female. The announcement signals a quiet but powerful shift in the faces shaping the future of dentistry.
To read more about these outstanding scholarship winners, go to: https://www.isds.org/news-details/2025/08/22/isds2025scholarshipwinners