My name is Dave Chadha. I'm a junior at Ardsley High School and the founder of The Dental Care Bridge, A Charitable Organization. The Dental Care Bridge is an organization that was created to help children at the school of Andh Mahavidyalaya for orphaned blind children (based in India). Founding Organizers Are Dave Chadha, Sofia Finnerty & Krish Chadha.

Learning the value of good deeds from my late grandfather, Harish Khosla, he instilled a powerful feeling of happiness in me when I helped others. Watching my grandfather bring boxes of fruits, food, and supplies for the children at the school had a great impact on me. He always said to give things to people that would benefit them and that they needed. Though he passed, his memory will live on through all of the good he has done.

Sticking to my grandfather’s belief to give to those who need it, I started this organization. For years, my family and I have been donating food, clothes, and supplies. Yet, I noticed a problem. We were succeeding to provide happiness to these children in a small way yet we weren’t addressing their problems. The pain, the struggle, the lack of care. So I thought about it. Why is that? Through meticulous research, statistical analysis, and simple common sense, I realized the struggle blind individuals face when trying to maintain good oral hygiene. These children suffer from oral decay, gingivitis, and heightened sensitivity. Therefore, The Dental Care Bridge will bridge the educational and medical gap between blind children and a lifetime’s worth of proper oral care and maintenance.

Some Facts To Digest:

60% Of Visually Impaired Children Reported Difficulty Involving Brushing Their Teeth

92% Of Visually Impaired Children In Developing Countries Reported Never Going Or Going Once To The Dentist.

71% Of Visually Impaired Children In Developing Countries Have/Had Gingivitis

0.9% Of Visually Impaired Children Brush Their Teeth Twice A Day.

And The List Goes On And On

So what’s the solution? First, I’m going to start by hiring dentists and dental hygienists to assess and determine the damage to these children’s teeth. From there, a solution to treat these issues will be found and then deployed. After that, a data-backed, easy-to-use multi-product kit will be provided to the children for the sake of preventive care. To clear up any confusion and provide further advice, a pamphlet vetted and verified by a dental professional will be provided to the children and printed in braille and Hindi and an online audio version will also be crafted.

Currently, I am seeking funds in the range of $14,000-15,000. It is an ambitious, yet achievable goal. We have booked plane tickets to arrive at the blind school in August of this year and we will distribute the kits, and the pamphlets, and hire dental professionals within two weeks.

Below Is Specific Donation Amounts To Provide Effective Help:

Pay For A Kit: $65

(200 Needed)

Includes A Foldable Toothbrush (1x), A Liquid Level Indicator (1x), A WaterPik Flosser (1x), A Tongue Scraper (1x), and A Water Filter (1x).

Pay For A Dental Professional To Come Out: $95

(20 Needed)

Includes Assessment Of Child’s Teeth, Professional Care, Discounted Rates For Future Visits, Video Call Once A Year For Each Individual Child

Any donation amount is appreciated and will help me achieve my goal. Any remaining funds that are not used for the project will be given to The Organization for the Prevention of Blindness (OPC).

Thank You For Your Help & May God Be With You!