Our Foundation

The Foundation was established in 2002 with the mission to inspire the dental profession while enhancing oral health in North Central Indiana. Since its inception, it has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants, providing vital financial support to aspiring dental professionals and community initiatives. Through its commitment to funding transformative community projects, the Foundation has made a significant impact on local health programs and outreach efforts, helping to improve overall oral health in the region. Additionally, it has been instrumental in supporting the Society's continuing education seminars, bringing valuable learning opportunities to dental professionals.
The Foundation takes pride in empowering the dental community by inviting esteemed speakers, such as Dr. Gordon Christensen, to South Bend, enriching the knowledge and experience of our members. Furthermore, the Foundation's generous contributions have played a crucial role in enhancing the facilities and resources at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, ensuring that future generations of dental professionals receive top-notch education and training.

Grants for Dental Student Candidates
We are pleased to offer grants to dental students who aspire to develop their careers in the North Central region. This initiative aims to foster local talent and encourage graduates to contribute to the community by establishing their practices here.
We kindly prioritize candidates who hail from the North Central area, as their connection to the region is invaluable for enhancing local healthcare services and community engagement.
To apply for this grant, we invite interested students to complete the application form provided below. Please ensure that your application is submitted to the business office by December 31. Our selection process will be thorough and considerate, with recipients to be announced in February.
Thank you for your commitment to advancing dental care in the North Central region. We look forward to supporting your journey in the dental profession.

Grants for Dental Auxiliary Students at IU and Ivy Tech
We are pleased to offer grants to talented students in dental hygiene and assisting programs, to encourage them to contribute to the North Central community after graduation. Priority will be given to applicants who are from the North Central region, ensuring that our support fosters local talent.
To apply for this valuable grant, please fill out the application provided below and submit it to the business office. Remember, all applications are due by December 31, with awards announced in February. We look forward to supporting the next generation of dental professionals!

Grants for Community Programs for Public Education
We are committed to enhancing community dental awareness through initiatives designed to educate and inform the public. By equipping individuals with valuable knowledge about dental health, we hope to inspire them to prioritize their oral care and seek higher quality dental services.
If you are interested in applying for a grant to support a Community Program, we kindly invite you to complete the application form provided below. Your efforts in promoting dental health are greatly valued.

Grants to Promote Community Awareness (PSA’s, etc.)
We encourage the promotion of diverse dental community projects that focus on enhancing education and awareness in our community. For those interested in applying for a Community Awareness grant, we invite you to complete the application form provided below.
Executive Board

Apoorv Goel, BDS, MS, MSD
NCDS Liaison (VP)
Board of Directors

Laura Burton
Executive Director*
Investment Committee

Brian King, DDS
Foundation President*

Jeni Heselbarth, DDS
NCDS President

Alec Willard, DDS
NCDS Past President
Joe Cochran, DDS
William Gitlin, DDS
Paul Glass, DDS
Kirstina Gratz, DDS
Cara Kilgore, DDS
Kerry Knape, DDS
Daron Sheline, DDS
Marty Szakaly, DDS
Dan White, DDS
William Gitlin, DDS
Daron Sheline, DDS
