About Us

National Children's Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) - dental professionals, industry leaders, philanthropic individuals, and concerned non-profit agencies.

Together, we're united in a mission that leaves no child behind. Within the next 10 years, the NCOHF affiliate network will:

• Treat 5 million+ children most in need through more than 500 centers throughout the US and begin providing global support to developing nations.
  
• Educate and screen 20 million+ children through schools, community events, ongoing community based prevention activities.
  

Our Mission

To eliminate pediatric oral disease and promote overall health and well being for millions of economically disadvantaged children, by serving as a comprehensive resource provider for not-for-profit pediatric oral health facilities, which deliver critical preventive, educational, and treatment services.  

We seek partners who share our passion to improve the lives of children, now!

History

In 1995, Dr. Cherilyn Sheets led the establishment of The Children's Dental Center (TCDC) in Inglewood, California. Creating a dental home for disadvantaged children, TCDC provides immediate dental care for urgent oral health problems, restorative treatment services, preventative therapies, and a comprehensive child/parent preventive educational program. TCDC's compelling prototype model, which incorporates an innovative educational approach to oral health, has inspired the establishment of similar children's dental centers in other communities across the nation, including Philadelphia, and Orange County in California.

While these efforts were exemplary, there remains an escalating need for quality dental care and preventive services as highlighted in numerous publications including the Surgeon General’s report, Oral Health in America. The National Children’s Dental Foundation (TNCDF) was launched in February 2006 with the goal of linking hundreds of non-profit pediatric community-based dental centers (Affiliates) treating 5 million children and impacting millions more through educational programs.

The Foundation brought together dental and public health professionals, educators, corporate executives and employees, civic leaders, and concerned individuals to focus on the singular issue of delivery of quality pediatric oral health care.

Towards the end of its first year, the organization’s name was changed to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF). The new name reflects the organizations integrated approach connecting oral health with systemic health. NCOHF is engaging a broad range of stakeholders, from dental, medical, and public health professionals to universities, national organizations, corporate executives, civic leaders, and philanthropic partners to mount the powerful offensive campaign necessary to obliterate this “silent epidemic” and literally transform pain and suffering into healthy smiles and bright futures for millions of children.

With significant support from corporations, media partners, and dental professionals, NCOHF had approximately 50 non-profit pediatric facilities in its Affiliate pipeline by the close of its first year of operations.

During this upcoming year, NCOHF will continue to expand its Affiliate network, launch the Virtual Learning Institute (VLI), and initiate community-based campaigns to increase awareness of pediatric oral disease, and raise funds to support delivery of critical oral health services.