Our Mission
The mission of ADFVI is to improve the lives of underserved and at-risk populations in Israel, at no cost to our patients, without regard to their religion, race or ethnic origin. Since 1980, DVI provides education, prevention and treatment through collaboration and support from international partners, and local and international dentists.
What We Do
Through fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts in the United States, AFDVI supports the work of Dental Volunteers for Israel at the Trudi Birger Clinic, which provides free dental care and oral health education to Jerusalem’s underprivileged regardless of racial, ethnic, or religious background.
DVI depends on the generosity of donors and volunteers from the United States and around the world to prevent suffering and provide treatment to Jerusalem’s underserved and at-risk populations. poorest children.
About the Clinic
For over 40 years, DVI has served to alleviate pain and suffering while improving the health and quality of life of Jerusalem’s most underprivileged youth. In recent years, the clinic has expanded its outreach from serving only children to include older, at-risk youth up to age of 26. Patients are referred to our program by Jerusalem’s Department of Social Welfare Services and over 30 other local non-profit organizations, including yeshivas, children’s homes, organizations for youth at-risk, battered women’s shelters, organizations for financially depressed new immigrants, orphanages etc. Many of our patients are at-risk youth, young women and children from shelters who would not otherwise receive care. In 2016, at the request of the Municipal Welfare Social Services, DVI also began providing needy elderly with free dentures.
The clinic is operated by professional volunteer dentists, from Israel and around the world. The clinic director, pediatric dentist Dr. Roy Petel and the bilingual dental assistants ensure consistent, continuous and compassionate care. Over the past 43+ years of uninterrupted community service, over 5,000 dentists from more than 35 countries have volunteered their time for periods ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. Each year, volunteer dentists from around the world provide more than 11,000 treatments to children and youth in need.
In conjunction with dental schools and hospitals, DVI has doubled the capacity of its pediatric residency program, growing them to national scale. The clinic contains six fully computerized dental workstations, an X-ray unit, and a new state-of-the-art, in-house, denture laboratory. DVI patient files are digitized to monitor patient outcomes over time. With comprehensive oral health education provided to each patient, DVI continues to witness a decrease in treatment needs among its patient population and fewer severe dental problems in those patients who come for regular check-ups.
Current Programs
Dental Care for the Elderly and Holocaust Survivors
We provide comprehensive dental care, including new dentures and denture repairs for elderly patients and Holocaust survivors. In 2024, 136 patients received treatment, 16 of whom are Holocaust survivors. The treatments include complete upper and lower dentures, partial dentures, and repairs as needed. This project supports the dignity and health of elderly patients.
Lone Soldiers Project
This project, launched in collaboration with the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, provides dental care for lone soldiers in Jerusalem. The clinic is open for them every Thursday afternoon. We aim to expand the service to Be’er Sheva and Tel Aviv. The project supports lone soldiers, pre-enlistment soldiers, discharged soldiers, and reservists by offering them timely and accessible dental care.
Dental Shield Project
In response to the security situation, we opened the clinic’s doors to IDF soldiers, reservists, and displaced families from the south and north. This project enables immediate access to dental care for those in urgent need. Our goal is to maintain this service even after the situation stabilizes, ensuring continued access to urgent dental care.
Treatment for Children and At-Risk Youth
We provide essential dental care for children and at-risk youth. As part of the process, each child receives a toothbrush and toothpaste to encourage oral hygiene at home. The project operates in collaboration with welfare programs, shelters, and other community organizations, helping to close gaps and improve the well-being of vulnerable children.
Internship and Training Project for Dental Interns
This project offers dental interns, like Maria Ahmad, an opportunity to gain practical experience at the DVI Clinic. Interns work alongside experienced dentists, developing essential skills for treating vulnerable populations.
Treatment for Migrant and New Immigrant Communities
We provide care to diverse populations, including migrants from Africa, new immigrants from Ethiopia, and low-income populations from various communities (ultra-Orthodox, Arab, immigrant, and refugee). This project reflects our commitment to the belief that everyone deserves access to quality medical care.
Clinic Renovation Project
This project aims to upgrade and renew the appearance of the clinic, creating a more welcoming and comfortable space for patients and a better work environment for the staff and volunteers. Renovations include modernizing treatment rooms, updating the waiting area, and improving accessibility. The project also aims to generate independent revenue by renting out space to external professionals, thereby enhancing the clinic’s financial stability.
Looking Ahead
Our priority is to continue strengthening these projects, with an emphasis on upgrading patient care and enhancing the clinic’s appearance. We aim to expand the waiting area and create a more welcoming and accessible environment for patients. We are also working to increase marketing and awareness efforts to better serve the elderly, lone soldiers, and at-risk youth.
Tax Exemption
American Friends of DVI is a charitable organization recognized as
exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)3 of the
Internal Revenue Code. Donors may deduct contributions as
provided in section 170 of the Code. Bequests, legacies, devises,
transfers, or gifts to AFDVI are deductible for Federal estate and gift
tax purposes. For more information, or to request a copy of our IRS
designation letter or our IRS form 990, please send an email
to AmericanFriendsofDVI@gmail.com.