Australian Dental Foundation recognised for more than a decade of improving access to oral healthcare

The Australian Dental Foundation (ADFi), an independent national health promotion charity improving access to oral healthcare for Australians experiencing barriers to dental services, has been recognised as South Australia’s Change Awardwinner in the 2026 Telstra Best of Business Awards, acknowledging its impact on communities and its sustainable approach to delivering essential oral health services.

Founded in South Australia in 2015, the Foundation has spent more than a decade delivering oral health education and dental services to people across Australia, including children, older Australians, people with a disability, First Nations communities and people from diverse backgrounds.

Since its establishment, ADFi has reached more than 140,000 Australians who may otherwise have struggled to access oral healthcare, helping address barriers to essential dental services and supporting better oral health outcomes.

Australian Dental Foundation Chairman and co-founder Dr Greg Miller said the award was a fitting recognition of the commitment and dedication of the Foundation’s board, clinicians, employees and volunteers.

“We are very proud of this achievement and humbled by the judges’ acknowledgement,” Dr Miller said.

Reflecting on the Foundation’s establishment in South Australia 11 years ago, Dr Miller acknowledged the support of his family and the many people who had contributed to its growth.

“Together, we have achieved so much in that time. We’ve brought oral health education and urgent dental services to more than 140,000 people across Australia who otherwise would have struggled to access that service.”

Brett Miller, the Foundation’s Director of National Operations, said recognition of both the impact of the Foundation’s work and the financially sustainable model behind its operations was particularly significant.

“It’s very satisfying to have an impact on the quality of people’s lives and give them access to services, but to have sustained that for more than a decade and have a clear plan to make sure it continues long into the future is just as important,” he said.

The recognition highlights the importance of ADFi’s ongoing commitment to delivering accessible oral healthcare while building a sustainable foundation for its services to continue reaching communities across Australia.

As the Foundation looks to the future, it remains focused on its goal of working towards a decay-free future, one tooth at a time, through education, prevention and improved access to dental care for people who need it most.

Media Contact:

Shauna Black – Director of Engagement

 0409 096 846 or shauna@dentalfoundation.org.au

Event & Media Enquiries:

Marketing Team – Australian Dental Foundation

marketing@dentalfoundation.org.au