WHAT WE DO

Partnering with dental professionals, schools, and community organizations, AzDA Cares delivers compassionate, high-quality dental care across Arizona.

We Strive To Prevent Dental Disease While Working To Restore Dental Health Through:

Prevention:

We provide oral health and hygiene services to Arizonans.

Education:

We use education to improve public awareness and involvement in oral health through coordinated initiatives, events, and outreach programs to engage legislators, civic leaders, and the community.

Treatment:

We provide dental treatment with compassion and an emphasis on quality.

A SMILE SHOULDN'T BE A LUXURY

Arizona’s Oral Health Crisis:

Staggering Stats

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Arizona 2019-2022 Oral Health Action Plan, nearly two-thirds of Arizona’s third graders suffer from tooth decay, exceeding national averages. Pain from dental problems is also the leading cause of school absences. This demonstrates a lack of preventive care for our children.

Pregnancy & Oral Health

The Arizona Department of Health Services reports that poor oral health during pregnancy could increase the risk of low-birth-weight babies according to the Arizona Office of Oral Health.

Adults Struggle, Too

In Arizona, American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute reports a shocking number of adults, especially those who are low-income, struggle with poor oral health. It’s not just low-income adults – the impact is widespread. In the same report, one in five Arizonans avoid smiling altogether because of their teeth.

America’s Oral Cancer Problem

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 132 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed daily in the U.S., and one person dies from the disease every hour. Our only hope to diminish this growing trend is through early detection.

Beyond the Smile

This isn’t just about cavities or lack of smiles. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease. Poor oral health can affect an individual’s daily life – physically, socially, and emotionally. Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, impacting everything from school performance to job opportunities.

The Problem

Access and Affordability – unfortunately, dental care remains out of reach for many Arizonans, especially for the uninsured and under-insured individuals and those with limited dental benefits under AHCCCS.

OUR MISSION

To prevent dental disease, provide education and dental care to Arizona’s underserved citizens.

VISION STATEMENT

Eradicating oral health disparity in Arizona.

Core Values

Our mission and vision are fortified by four core values, shaping our actions, driving impactful performance, and positioning us for sustainable growth.

Empathy

We understand and support Arizona’s underserved communities with non-judgmental care.

Knowledge

We equip our volunteers and partners with effective tools to tackle dental care challenges.

Inspiration

We foster a space for creative solutions, empowering lasting social impact.

Collaboration

We value collaborative relationships with our volunteers, staff, supporters, and partners.

AzDA Cares: Inclusive Solutions, Diverse Voices.

AzDA Cares champions inclusivity by reflecting the diversity of our partners and their communities. We actively seek diverse perspectives to develop effective solutions for underserved communities facing oral health challenges.

Review our Strategic Plan for 2025 and Beyond