Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1518741
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS Oral Health Month 10 MANITOBA DENTAL FOUNDATION YOUR MANITOBA DENTAL FOUNDATION VISION STATEMENT The Manitoba Dental Foundation serves as the unified centre of professional philanthropy for the dentists of Manitoba. Grants and Awards Since Inception: North Point Douglas Women's Shelter Ralph Maybank School Members of the dental profession have recognized an unmet need for oral health care. Dentists have and continue to provide `pro bono` dental care for those with limited access to improve their oral health. In February of 2013, a small group of dentists actively involved in organized dentistry in Manitoba initiated a discussion about the creation of an organization to formally address the improvement of oral health for the underserved, homeless and vulnerable in Winnipeg and Manitoba. A proposal to create a foundation was presented to the Manitoba Dental Association Board which was unanimously endorsed. A pathway to create this charitable organization was developed in consultation with other dental societies and groups in Manitoba including the Winnipeg Dental Society, University of Manitoba Dental Alumni Association, Western Manitoba Dental Society and Northern Manitoba Dental Society. All of these groups endorsed the creation of a dental foundation. What followed was th creation of Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and the submission for and the Registered Charitable Status in 2015 of The Manitoba Dental Foundation Inc. A strategic plan was developed in 2016 for the Foundation which now forms the governance structure of it today. In 2018, an Executive Director was retained. Through collaboration with the Manitoba Dental Association, the administrative costs of our MDF is minimal. In 2019, the University of Manitoba Dental Students Association joined the Foundation Board. The Foundation raises funds through monthly and annual donations, holding annual fun(d)raising special events including three Smile Galas (2015, 2018 and 2022). Due to the COVID pandemic no events were held in 2020 and 2021. Our next Smile Gala event is planned for November, 2025 in collaboration with the 10th Anniversary of the Manitoba Dental Foundation Since inception, the Foundation has raised over $270,000 plus an additional $100,000 for the Dr. Michael Cuthbert Endowment Fund and has provided grants in excess of $135,000 to organizations in Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie and Brandon, and also supported an oral health mission sponsored by the Mondetta Charitable Foundation. Please visit our website for more information : About your MDF (www.manitobadentalfoundation.ca or scan QR Code). Tobacco, Chew, Vaping and Cannabis use • Smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, vaping, and cannabis can lead to oral cancer. • Chewing tobacco, prevalent in sports, poses a high risk, with up to 75% trying it, mainly among males. • Smokeless tobacco delivers more nicotine than cigarettes, creating a strong physical dependency. Manitoba Dentist.ca ™ Talk to your Dentist Good for you. Good for life.