LOCAL SOCIETY UPDATES / WHAT’S NEW IN WEST MICHIGAN
West Michigan Dental Foundation Kevin Knapp, DDS, MS West Michigan Dental Foundation President, Byron Center
Thank you to all of the donors and supporters in 2020. The annual appeal raised $30,307! The most ever! With these funds, the WMDF will be able to carry out its purpose of improving oral health through the financial support of educational and service programs in West Michigan. Applications for tuition grants were collected prior to January 15th. During February and March, the tuition grant committee will begin interviewing applicants. The committee will select candidates and the board will vote to approve scholarships. Tuition grant and community grant applications can be found on the wmdds.org website.
New Dentist Forum Daniel Grode, DDS, New Dentist Forum Chairperson, Ada The New Dentist Forum is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to resume our in-person continuing education and networking opportunities. I would like to remind you that if there is anything that the Forum can help you with, please reach out to me at Drdan@beckwithfdc.com. I am happy to help with any questions or assist you in any way that I am able to.
The success of 2020’s golf outing has motivated the board to maintain a late summer golf outing date. The date for the 2021 WMDF Golf Outing will be Friday, August 6th, 2021. The next WMDF board meeting will be on March 8th, 2021.
Kent County Oral Health Coalition Colette Smiley, DDS, Co-Chair of Kent County Oral Health Coalition, Grand Rapids
Since 2017, the Kent County Oral Health Coalition has provided support to community-based organizations committed to oral health improvements for those they serve through its mini-grant program. Community-based organizations looking to increase or improve oral health access, education, and awareness apply for these grants which are reviewed and awarded by the KCOHC Steering Committee. Mini grant projects must benefit Kent County’s underserved community members and have concrete deliverables designed to increase oral health access, education, or awareness. KCOHC proudly announces the recipients of its 2020-21 mini-grants: n AYA Youth Collective—awarded $1,972.48 for the Comprehensive Health Initiative for Homeless Youth n Catherine’s Health Center—awarded $2,405 for Restoring and Expanding Access to Dental Care at a Community Health Center n Exalta Health—awarded $2,142 for Community Outreach – Attention to Dental n Mel Trotter Ministries—received $980 for Project “Got Teeth?” WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2021
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