Episode 32 – TRANSFORMING SMILES: THE IMPACT AND INNOVATIONS OF THE VDA FOUNDATION
In this episode, we talk with Tara Quinn and Katrina Smith about the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s (VDAF) 30-year evolution and growing impact advancing dentistry and oral health through education, research, and access to care. They reflect on how the Foundation built cornerstone access programs over time, including becoming Virginia’s licensee for Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services program (1997), launching the nation’s first Mission of Mercy clinic in Wise County (2000), and supporting Give Kids a Smile events statewide. The conversation tracks how Mission of Mercy expanded over 26 years into large pop-up clinics and newer Mini MOM partnerships with safety net clinics to extend care beyond event days and connect patients to dental homes. They share outcomes and recent clinic highlights, and close with ways members and donors can volunteer or support the Foundation’s work.
