The Fulcrum Podcast

Episode 32 – TRANSFORMING SMILES: THE IMPACT AND INNOVATIONS OF THE VDA FOUNDATION

Loading...

Media is loading
 

Document Type

Podcast

Publication Title

The Fulcrum Podcast

Abstract

SUMMARY: In this episode, we talk with Tara Quinn and Katrina Smith about the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s (VDAF) 30-year evolution and growing impact advancing dentistry and oral health through education, research, and access to care. They reflect on how the Foundation built cornerstone access programs over time, including becoming Virginia’s licensee for Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services program (1997), launching the nation’s first Mission of Mercy clinic in Wise County (2000), and supporting Give Kids a Smile events statewide. The conversation tracks how Mission of Mercy expanded over 26 years into large pop-up clinics and newer Mini MOM partnerships with safety net clinics to extend care beyond event days and connect patients to dental homes. They share outcomes and recent clinic highlights, and close with ways members and donors can volunteer or support the Foundation’s work.

HOST:

Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his young daughters.

GUEST(S):

Tara Quinn has served as Executive Director of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation since 2015. Before joining the VDAF, she served as Executive Director of a regional environmental organization and held senior marketing and business development roles in the professional services sector. She holds a BA in political science/international relations from the University of North Carolina Asheville, an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Duke University, and the Certified Professional Services Marketer designation. Hopefully, one day there will be no need for the kind of services the VDAF provides because all Virginians will be able to access dental care freely. But until then, we will use every available resource to bridge this divide.

 

Katrina Smith is a new face around the VDA Foundation. She has a background in social work and more than 20 years of mission-driven experience in the nonprofit sector. She has dedicated her career to working at the intersection of heart, strategy, and impact—helping good ideas turn into real change for communities. She believes systems work better when people stay at the center. Katrina is a proud alumna of James Madison University, a wife, and a mom to two boys—one of whom keeps her very busy as a marching band parent. When not shuttling to rehearsals or performances, you’ll usually find her hanging out with her dog, channeling my creativity through various craft projects, traveling, or scouting out new restaurants, rarely without a really good iced coffee fueling the adventure.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Virginia Dental Association Foundation

vdaf.org

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

 

EPISODE CREDITS:

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Paul Logan

Guests: Tara Quinn and Katrina Smith

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Publication Date

11-12-2026

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS