01 September 2023

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ADA News: Support Maui dentists affected by wildfires

By Stacie Crozier

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In the wake of the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, the Hawaii Dental Association Foundation established a special Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate support for dentists who have been affected by the disaster.

“No one could have anticipated the magnitude of the destruction that the Maui fires have caused,” wrote Hawaii Dental Association President Dr. Norman S. Chun, D.M.D., in a letter to ADA President George R. Shepley, D.D.S. The letter was shared by ADA News on Aug. 23. 

“Dentists on Maui, and specifically in Lahaina, were the greatest affected,” he said.

Immediately after the disaster, Chun noted, the Hawaii Dental Association Foundation created a disaster relief fund for Hawaii licensed dentists, with priority for ADA members who have been directly impacted.

The HDA donated $50,000 in seed money “which has been steadily growing from donations from private sources and friends and colleagues nationwide.” The fund is also supported by the Hawaii Dental Association.

Those who would like to donate to help affected dentists may visit the foundation's website. 

It's also an option to send checks payable to Hawaii Dental Association Foundation. Note in the memo line that the donation is for the Disaster Relief Fund. Checks should be mailed to 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 7-411, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Donations will be used as needed to provide immediate support to dentists who were affected by the Maui wildfires, and the new fund will remain in place to provide relief for any future disasters.

Executive Director Kim Nguyen said offers to provide volunteer support and materials or supplies are appreciated, according to ADA News.

“As our Maui colleagues continue to assess the situation and set up necessary systems, we will share out any opportunities at their request," she said. "We are all so grateful for the outpouring of Aloha. We stand strong with Maui in their road to recovery.”

The HDAF is a tax-exempt, public charity as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Nguyen added, which allows donations to be tax deductible. The Foundation’s tax ID number is 81-3947506.