Call for grant applications to help high-risk Australians access dental care

Now in its fourth year, the Wrigley Company Foundation in partnership with the Australian Dental Association Foundation (ADAF), is proud to announce that applications for its Community Service Grants to help improve access to dental care to some of Australia's most marginalised groups have opened.

Introduced in collaboration with ADA Inc, in 2011, the community service grants program continues to make a difference to high risk groups such as elderly, disabled, homeless, Indigenous and children's groups.

This year, the Wrigley Company Foundation in partnership with the Australian Dental Association Foundation (ADAF) will provide more than USD$82,000 in funds via thirteen grants:

• 8 x USD$6,000 Community Service Grants for registered dental professionals;
• 4 x USD$6,000 Community Service Grants for dentistry students; and
• 1 x USD$10,000 "Principles in Action" Community Service Grant to support large scale projects.

"Despite Australia having a world class health system, there are still disadvantaged groups that experience a shortfall in access to dental services," said Andrew Leakey, General Manager, Wrigley Pacific.

"Caries remain a widespread health problem among Australians with more than 90% of adults showing signs of treated or untreated dental decay which makes the ADAF and Wrigley Company Foundation grants partnership so vital. We have a shared aim, through the grants, to help disadvantaged communities access free oral health services, treatments and education."

"Inequities in access to dental treatments remain for some at-risk groups so it's vital these grants continue to support dentists, dental students and teams of dental professionals," said Wendy Tancred, Chair of the ADAF Advisory Board.

Last year, the Wrigley Company Foundation and ADAF grants recruited more than 170 volunteers to cover 4,600 treatments. Volunteers completed more than 6,000 hours of dental care treatment, helping older Australians, people in low income households, Indigenous Australians, disadvantaged children and people living in rural and remote areas.

For the full application criteria and to apply for the Community Service Grants, visit www.adaf.org.au and download an application form. Applications close 4 July, 2014.