Save a smile for as little as $25/month

Stevenson Dental Foundation is committed to providing patient-first oral care for all 

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide quality and accessible oral care, foster cutting-edge research, and support the next generation of dental professionals. We strive to create a positive and meaningful impact on our communities by providing evidence-based and patient-first treatment, thereby transforming the dental landscape.

ABOUT US

Stevenson Dental Research Institute (SDRI), a subsidiary of the Stevenson Dental Foundation, is dedicated to advancing clinical dentistry through evidence-based practices, fostering excellence in research, and improving patient outcomes.

SDRI, rooted in rigorous research and a commitment to patient well-being, is a beacon of excellence in the field. With a focus on evidence-based dentistry, we assemble a team of experts and collaborate with renowned universities, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge.

This motivation drives our research to unravel dental complexities, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and clinical application. We aim to revolutionize dentistry through innovative methodologies, translating cutting-edge research into patient-centered solutions. SDRI is not just an institution; it is a hub of transformative ideas, collaborative endeavors, and groundbreaking discoveries, shaping the future of dentistry alongside contributors and university partners.

THE CURRENT CRISIS

Lack of dental care is an epidemic in our country.
In Southern California alone, data suggests that many of the 10,000 children at 15 local elementary schools
had never seen a dentist until mobile dental clinics arrived on their campuses.

OUR WORK THROUGH

SDF’s approach comprises three programs.
We provide free or low-cost dental services to underserved communities, offer scholarships for low-income students,
and conduct research to help develop better materials and treatment options.

Education

Outreach

Research

WHAT'S COMING NEXT

In 2023, Stevenson Dental Foundation (SDF) aims to raise $1,500,000 through online crowdfunding, nonprofit collaborations, and local charity drives and auctions in order to build an infrastructure to support patients throughout the community.

In addition to establishing our first fixed-clinic site with the capacity to treat four or more patients at a time, SDF also aims to open its first mobile pediatric dentistry unit. This unit will travel to schools throughout the region and provide dental services to underserved communities in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Donate today to save a child’s smile!

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Donate today to save a child’s smile!

ABOUT US

At Stevenson Dental Foundation (SDF), we are dedicated to transforming oral care and improving access to quality dental services. We are a nonprofit organization that strives to bridge the gap in oral health care through community outreach, education, and research. Our mission is to make excellent, evidence-based dental care accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. To fulfill this mission, we provide low-cost dental services to underserved communities, offer scholarships for needy students, and conduct research to help develop better materials and treatment options.

Since its inception in 2022, SDF has provided dental care to those in most need in our community at treatment facilities in San Dimas and Irvine, Southern California. Joint forced by entrepreneur Joseph Lam in 2023, SDF plans to raise funds to acquire our first mobile dental clinic to reach more remote locations and offer scholarships to help students become successful dental professionals. Alongside Mr. Lam, Dr. Stevenson leads our team of researchers to find ways of providing care to the public with an emphasis on better clinical practices and more impactful therapeutic interventions for oral diseases.

By utilizing the latest technology and investing in state-of-the-art equipment, SDRI commits to maintaining low overhead and administrative costs, ensuring that the maximum amount of funds raised go directly to fulfill our mission.

RESEARCHERS

Dr. Richard Stevenson

Richard G. Stevenson III, DDS

Director of Clinic and Education

Anirudha Agnihotry, DDS

Director of Research

Sarah Al Halees, BDS

Research Associate

Mudit K. Yadav, DDS

Research Associate

urmi

Urmi Bhattacharyya, BDS

Research Associate

RESEARCHERS

Anirudha Agnihotry

Director

Anirudha Agnihotry is a full-time clinician and a visiting scholar at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. He is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, and the UCLA post-graduate training program of Advanced Restorative Dentistry. He has previously served on the faculty of dental colleges in India, where he worked to set up community outreach clinics and provide training for residents and students. Dr. Agnihotry has published research papers and book chapters, presented at conferences worldwide, and served as a referee for 15 scientific journals. He is an editorial board member of Brazilian Dental Journal and Dentistry Review Journal. He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy and the College of General Dentistry (UK).

Hasnain Abbas

Research Associate

Dr. Abbas graduated from the Lahore Medical and Dental College after his internship in 2013. He completed his International Dental Studies program at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2019 to get his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree, after which he practiced in private practice and community-based settings in California and Texas. His interests in dental research are orthodontics, sleep dentistry, and adhesion. He performed research at New York University School of Dentistry before starting his DDS degree and has spoken and presented at international forums. Dr. Abbas is an equine enthusiast, enjoys Polo, and likes to read. He is also a coffee aficionado.

Kapil Kumar Paiwal

Research Scholar, IRB Committee Chair

Dr Kapil Paiwal is a highly acclaimed international dental professional with extensive experience in academia and research-related endeavors. He is the Professor and Head at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at Daswani Dental College and Research Center. He has a comprehensive knowledge of oral pathology and forensic odontology. Dr Paiwal's training across different subsets of dental practice up to the master's and fellowship levels has given him a profound understanding of the link between oral diseases and health.

Karanjot Gill

Research Associate

Dr. Gill was born in India and completed his dental school education there before moving to North America. After completing his Advanced Clinical Training Program in Restorative Dentistry from UCLA School of Dentistry, he obtained his DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, where he was also a faculty for two years. Volunteering at the British Columbia Cancer Institute introduced him to the research world. He immerses himself in research endeavors, delving into the latest advancements in dentistry to improve patient outcomes, which led him to work with the Cochrane Collaboration. He indulges in hobbies like photography and hiking. These activities allow him to recharge, reconnect with nature, and capture moments of beauty that remind him of the joy in life's simple pleasures.

Mudit Krishna Yadav

Research Associate

Dr. Yadav is a Manipal University, India graduate, and completed the rigorous 2-year Advanced Clinical Training Program at UCLA under Dr. Stevenson in 2017. He is an expert in dental photography and is the chief faculty of the waxing courses held at SDS. He has taught courses alongside Dr. Stevenson for two years at UOP Dental School and the SDS Learning Center. He was voted as the best tutor by students last year and has a calm and down-to-earth teaching style. His clinical interests include advanced prosthodontics, esthetic dentistry, and cast and direct gold restorations. He has been invited to lecture in India and continues to provide invaluable assistance with CAAPID applications and consultations via our Application Coach service. He practices general dentistry in Porterville, CA and teaches at SDS on the weekends and evenings.

Radhika Thakkar

Research Associate

Dr. Radhika Thakkar's journey in dentistry spans over a decade, from student to educator. She earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from India in 2012. She further expanded her expertise by attaining the Master of Public Health (MPH) at St. John's University, NY in 2018. In her professional journey at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, she accomplished various milestones, including a Research Fellowship in 2020, a two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency in 2023, and presently holds dual positions as an assistant professor and a Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident, showcasing her dedication to both clinical and research aspects of dentistry.

Sarah Alhalees

Research Associate

Dr. Sarah Alhalees graduated with Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree at King Saud University in 2013. From July 2014 to July 2017, Dr. Alhalees attended the University of Michigan's dental school, where she received a Master of Science degree in Graduate Restorative Dentistry. She then attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham Dental School, receiving a Fellowship in Advanced Esthetic Dentistry and Advanced Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials. Dr. Alhalees is board-certified by the Academy of Operative Dentistry. She is a restorative dentistry consultant with advanced training in esthetic dentistry at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh (KFSH&RC), Saudi Arabia. She’s also the program director of the Saudi Board of Restorative Dentistry (SBRD program) at KFSH&RC and a clinical supervisor for the Saudi Board of Family Dentistry residency program. She is also a member in the exam committee of the Saudi Board of Family Dentistry residency program.

Urmi Bhattacharya

Research Associate

Dr Bhattacharyya originally earned her dental degree from Manipal University in 2013. After a few years in practice, she pursued an Advanced Certification in Restorative Dentistry from UCLA School of Dentistry. After graduating from UCLA in 2019, she received her license in the State of California and spent two years serving the community in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). She is currently practicing as a general dentist in Los Angeles and specializes in esthetics, direct restorations, and indirect restorations. She is also a research associate at Stevenson Dental Research Institute and recently completed her MBA in Healthcare Management. She considers herself an oral health advocate and is genuinely passionate about uplifting the population’s health.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Headshot of Dr. Richard Stevenson

Dr. Richard Stevenson
Founder

Dr. Richard Stevenson has been a driving force in dental education and oral care for low-income populations for over three decades. A Board Certificated Operative Dentist, Emeritus Professor at UCLA, and Co-Founder of Stevenson Dental Solutions, Dr. Stevenson is recognized as an authority on oral health promotion and quality dental publications and research.

In addition to the thousands of students and dentists he has taught, Dr. Stevenson is a prolific free educational content creator on YouTube. With over 123K subscribers, Dr. Stevenson has the distinction of impacting dental patients and professionals on a global scale.

As a result of his passion for providing excellent oral healthcare, Dr. Stevenson founded Stevenson Dental Foundation to address oral health disparities in his community

LATEST ACTIVITIES

Education

  • Developing a curriculum for pre-dental students to understand dentistry better
  • Training future dental professionals to educate the next generation
    of providers

Outreach

  • Fundraising to build a fixed clinic location and mobile dentistry unit
  • Establishing partnerships with other NGOs in underserved
    communities

Research

  • Innovative educational modules to help school children understand the importance of oral health
  • Best practices for dentists through understanding evidenced-based approaches
  • The efficacy of oral breathing appliances to treat sleep apnea

About Us:

Stevenson Dental Foundation was founded in 2022 by Dr. Richard Stevenson, a recognized authority on oral health promotion and a 30-year advocate for dental education and care for low-income populations.

Stevenson Dental Foundation’s mission is to provide quality accessible oral care, foster cutting-edge research and support the next generation of dental professionals.

Our Vision:

Improving oral care for all to create a world where everyone smiles with confidence. ❤

In order to serve as many patients in our community as possible, Stevenson Dental Foundation must be able to fund all aspects of a comprehensive, high-functioning program. We hope that you will consider supporting our efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution today to help us make quality, affordable dental care a reality for everyone. Stevenson Dental Foundation commits to maintaining low overhead and administrative costs to ensure that the maximum amount of funds raised go directly to fulfilling our mission.

Our foundation is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We strive to ensure a fair and unbiased process in awarding oral-care grants and scholarships, fostering inclusivity in our mission to support dental education and patient care.

Stevenson Dental Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

©2023 Stevenson Dental Foundation | All Rights Reserved