Mission Statement

To strengthen oral health of the communities we serve through support of philanthropic initiatives.

About Us

Now in existence for more than 60 years, the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation (TDAF) continues to promote dental health programs and education, educate the public about dentistry, fund dental scholarships, and support dental research and organizations. To meet this mission, the TDAF relies on the generosity of our dental community. The work of the TDAF would not be possible without the assistance and commitment of individuals like you.

Support Our Mission - Make a Difference with Your Donation!

We invite you to join us in making a positive impact by supporting the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation (TDAF) through your generous donation. By donating to the TDAF, you play a crucial role in positively transforming oral health in communities across the state. Your support enables us to continue our important work, which includes addressing current community needs and creating valuable research opportunities for dental students in Tennessee. Together, we are moving closer to achieving our endowment fund goal, ensuring long-term sustainability and ongoing support for our mission.

Click below to donate online. A printable form is also available for check contributions. Your tax-deductible contribution will help leave a lasting impact on the oral health and well-being of individuals and communities throughout the state.

As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, your contributions are tax-deductible.

TDAF Grant Application

The annual submission deadline for the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation grant application is April 1. To apply, complete the form below. If you have questions about the grant submission, please contact us at tda@tndental.org.

TDAF Grant Application Form

Get Involved - Volunteer With TDAF

Ready to make a difference? Take the first step by clicking below and joining the ranks of compassionate volunteers shaping the future of oral health in Tennessee. 

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER 

TDA Foundation 2023 Strategic Plan

Goal 1: Community Engagement

Community Engagement 

Increase oral health programming and activities state-wide

Objective 1.1 

Create new and expand current programs to support organizations as well as individuals that align with TDAF mission

Strategy 

• Create updated grant criteria and application process
• Identify existing programs to support
• Develop a scholarship structure to align with TDAF mission

Objective 1.2

Increase awareness for general membership about the TDAF

Strategy 

• Create toolkit to promote TDAF
• Determine best ways to promote TDAF through TDA
• Create an annual report
• Create a volunteer acknowledgement program

Goal 2: Operational Sustainability

Operational Sustainability 

Strengthen and grow organizational capacity, operations and funding

Objective 1.1 

Increase the foundation financial base

Strategies: 

• Review and update a donor acknowledgement strategy
• Create communication strategy to increase overall donors and individual
contributions
• Plan and implement specific fundraising events
• Develop an endowment structure

Objective 1.2 

Review governance structure and make recommendations for change

Strategies: 

• Conduct a full-scale bylaws review
• Develop a pathway to leadership to diversify the make-up of the Board

TDA Foundation Board of Directors (2024-2025)

TDA Foundation Board of Directors (2024-2025)

TDA Foundation Board of Directors (2024-2025)

President

G. Robert Hopper, D.D.S., Jackson, Tennessee

Vice President

William D. Powell, D.D.S., M. S., Knoxville, Tennessee

Secretary

Lee Wilson, D.D.S., Memphis, Tennessee

Treasurer

Frank T. McMeen, Jr., Ph.D., Jackson, Tennessee

Directors

  • K. Mike Lamb, D.D.S., Kingsport, Tennessee 
  • G. Mitch Baldree, D.D.S., Chattanooga, Tennessee 
  • John Petty, D.M.D., Tullahoma, Tennessee
  • Brian West, D.M.D., Nashville, Tennessee 
  • Ernest DeWald, D.D.S., Clarksville, Tennessee 
  • Alexander Goodman, D.M.D., Columbia, Tennessee 
  • Alaina Marinello, D.D.S., Chattanooga, TN
  • Maggie Pitts, D.M.D., Nashville, TN
  • Ryan Dagen, D.D.S., Germantown, TN 
  • Jeff Smith, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Blake Matthews, Nashville, Tennessee

President Emeritus

Stephen M. Sawrie, D.D.S., M.S., Chattanooga, Tennessee

Ex-Officio

George "Chip" Clayton, D.D.S., Brentwood, Tennessee
Stueart Hudsmith, D.D.S., Memphis, Tennessee