The goal is simple: everyone should be able to afford the care they need.
At the Kansas City University (KCU) Oral Health Center (OHC), a community-driven initiative is transforming access to oral health services for underserved neighbors in the region. Through the KCU Community Smiles Fund, philanthropic support is ensuring that patients can receive the full treatment they need to improve their quality of life.
Since its creation, the fund has received generous support from corporate partners, private foundations and individual donors. The largest gift to date, $50,000 from Delta Dental of Missouri, was dedicated to care for patients without insurance. The La-Z-Boy Foundation has contributed for three consecutive years, with its latest gift totaling $25,000. Additionally, The Ruth I. Kolpin Foundation recently awarded $25,000 while community members and KCU employees have collectively contributed more than $15,000 in individual donations to the fund.
Together, these gifts help bridge the gap between what patients can afford to pay and the full cost of treatment. For example, Medicaid may cover routine cleanings and exams, but doesn’t include services like dentures—leaving many patients without access to complete care. The Community Smiles Fund exists to fill that void.
When patients arrive at the OHC, they receive a clinical evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. A member of the patient care team reviews the plan with them, outlines any expected insurance coverage and discusses what the patient may be able to pay. Some patients are able to cover the full cost out of pocket; others can only afford a small amount. When a financial gap remains, patients may apply for assistance.
“This fund allows us to serve, teach and provide care while easing the financial burden on patients who might otherwise go without the treatment they desperately need,” said Linda C. Niessen, DMD, dean of the College of Dental Medicine.
As more patients turn to the KCU Oral Health Center for vital services, the importance of sustaining the Community Smiles Fund becomes even more urgent. The University continues to prioritize expanding both community engagement and philanthropic support—ensuring that patients receive the help they need and that students continue learning in a setting rooted in service. These experiences also expose dental students to patients from all walks of life, preparing them to meet the diverse needs of the communities they will one day serve.
You can be a part of a story that not only transforms smiles but changes lives—restoring confidence, health and hope, by supporting the Community Smiles Fund. To learn more, click here and select Patient Assistance Fund in the area of designation. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and in the education of future dentists.
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