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Our Story: A Journey of Passion & Purpose
America’s ToothFairy was established in 2006 with a clear and ambitious mission: to improve children’s oral health by supporting nonprofit, safety-net dental clinics that serve kids who would otherwise go without. Behind our founding is Dr. Cherilyn Sheets, a dedicated dentist whose personal experiences and drive to make a difference in her community led to the creation of what is now a vital force in children’s dental care across the US.
A Personal Catalyst for a Community Mission
Dr. Sheets’ journey toward founding America’s ToothFairy began with a life-changing event: her father suffered a stroke, leaving her to manage both his dental practice and her own. In trying to decide what to do with her father’s Inglewood, California practice, a 4,000-square-foot office with 10 operatories, she recognized an opportunity to use the space for something meaningful. Her community had always supported her family, and she wanted to give back.
The concept of a children’s dental clinic came to Dr. Sheets in a flash of inspiration. While sitting in church, she realized that the practice could become a facility devoted to providing dental care to kids, particularly those in underserved communities. Inspired, she wrote a grant proposal—despite having no prior experience. “It was just a crazy set of ignorance, maybe, but a tremendous desire to try and help the community,” she explained. Dr. Sheets soon received $161,000 from The California Endowment, becoming its first grant recipient. With these funds, she transformed her father’s practice into the Children’s Dental Center, dedicated to preventive and educational dental care.
A Need Beyond a Single Clinic
The clinic’s success revealed a wider need: many children, especially those from working-class families, lacked access to essential dental care and
education. Running a nonprofit clinic required constant fundraising, as every patient cost more to treat than they could pay. “There is never enough money,” Sheets recalls, noting that traditional grant funding was not sustainable for ongoing costs. Her team spent countless hours gathering donated supplies, often collecting leftover samples from dental conventions.
The clinic’s financial challenges highlighted the need for a national organization dedicated to children’s oral health. This idea grew into the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, later rebranded as America’s ToothFairy, which would help other clinics by providing resources and support. Dr. Sheets brought together top leaders in dentistry, including CEOs from major dental companies, to create a “neutral island” where they could collaborate for the greater good. With their backing, the foundation was born, focused on providing nonprofit dental clinics and programs with supplies, educational resources, and grants.
A Collaborative Legacy
Since our founding dental industry leaders have contributed millions of dollars in resources to help our Dental Resoure Program members stretch their budgets to expand their impact. Over the years we have provided critical resources like equipment, funding, and educational materials, enabling clinics nationwide to offer vital care to underserved kids.
Our collaborative spirit is one of our defining traits. Together with dental professionals, corporate partners, and community organizations united in our mission, we’re increasing access to the dental care children need to thrive. By keeping overhead costs low, we ensure that every donation directly benefits our program members and programs that build awareness about the importance of oral health and disparity in access to care.
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