23 / 44
21
nmdental.org
New Mexico Dentist Relief Fund
By Linda Paul, NMDAF Executive Director
I
n July 2006, the New Mexico Dental
Association Foundation began
administering the New Mexico
Dentist Relief Fund. This fund had
previously been handled by the New
Mexico Dental Association. The relief
fund was created by dentists who—
up until the early 2000s—voluntarily
donated to the fund when they paid
annual NMDA dues.
At the state level, this fund assists
dentists, on a short-term basis, who are
experiencing practice-threatening situa-
tions. These situations have historically
included serious illness, fires, or weather-
related disasters. Assistance has been
provided both to New Mexico dentists,
as well as victims of national disasters,
including, for example dentists who lost
their practices in the storms in Joplin,
Missouri, and those who suffered from
Hurricane Sandy.
Nationally, the ADA Charitable Assis-
tance Fund also assists New Mexico
dentists and their families who continue
to need some financial assistance related
to personal tragedy or natural disaster.
If you know of a colleague who might benefit from these funds or if you would like more information about them,
please contact Linda Paul, NMDAF Executive Director, at 505-298-7206, Ext. 200 or
lpaul@nmdental.org.