We recently connected with Edward Spradlin and have shared our conversation below.

Edward , appreciate you joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

Dear Friends, hello there! My name is Ed Spradlin from Gresham, Oregon and I am 78 years young and a Vietnam veteran. I have lived in the Portland-metropolitan area all my life, having grown up in in North Portland. I attended Jefferson High School, followed by Oregon State University but was drafted to serve in Vietnam. Upon my honorable discharge, I returned to Oregon and was able to continue my education where I graduated from Portland State University.

Little more than 2 years ago, I began volunteering The Dental Foundation of Oregon (DFO), a 40+ year old nonprofit dedicated to advancing oral health education, providing charitable care, and coordinating resources for Oregon’s children and vulnerable communities. The DFO’s marquee program is the Tooth Taxi mobile dental clinic. A 39′ mobile clinic that exclusively travels across Oregon to support youth and vulnerable populations served by local nonprofit organizations and schools, they provide exams, teeth cleanings, x-rays, and oral health education to guests on the Tooth Taxi.

Specifically, thru my volunteer work I helped launch the DFO’s Bottle Drop blue bag charity program. Funds from the recyclables are donated on a daily basis to the DFO via Bottle Drop. What started as just me walking thru my local neighborhood in search of discarded cans and bottles to raise money for the program, has now organically blossomed into an ever-growing team of community partners like the employees of the local Fred Meyer store, members of the local neighborhood association, along with friends and family members enthusiastically who share the success of this effort.

On average our team effort has resulted in an average of $4K per month in donated Bottle Drop funds that support the Tooth Taxi program. To date, over 1,200 vulnerable Oregonian’s have received FREE dental services with a value of almost $150K from our recycling efforts!

Every day I am overwhelmed by the beauty of all the individuals who have eagerly stepped up to be a part of The Dental Foundation of Oregon; a program and a charitable organization that continues to growing in popularity and support.

I have realized something in this process, and it is validated everyday by all the people who have joined this cause: We can do amazing things alone, but even more amazing things together!

Together we are team “Can Do”.

Edward , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Founded in 1982 by the Oregon Dental Association, the DFO works to improve the oral health of Oregon’s underserved children through advocacy, community grants to nonprofit dental clinics and by taking dental care and oral health education directly to children on the Tooth Taxi mobile dental van.

We believe every child deserves quality dental care, and we advocate for increased funding for children’s dental treatment and education. We support community water fluoridation, a proven and safe way to reduce cavities, and we encourage volunteerism in the dental community.

As the Oregon Dental Association’s charity, we support and recognize the outstanding work of dental professionals occurring in every community in Oregon. Oregon dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants volunteer thousands of hours of their personal time and help deliver millions of dollars of donated dental services every year for our neediest children.

We are proud to partner with many of Oregon’s leading foundations, companies and individuals to help children who can’t help themselves.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I believe in the power of positivity and enthusiasm is contagious!

Folks are seeking to be surrounded by like-minded individuals that care for the “team”. When I work to inspire folks, even through challenges, it’s to lead the team by example and in order to be the positive example and maintain high morale, it’s up to me to keep people motivated by the good work we are doing (helping vulnerable fellow Oregonian’s) and our mission (provide folks quality dental care and oral health education).

When we serve with a smile in our heart, it is projected into the world through passion, positivity, and enthusiasm!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have been blessed to be a student of life. I have honorably served my country. Traveled internationally. Met the love of my life. Raised a wonderful family. Am surrounded by incredible friends. Have a passion for learning, and heart for service. I encourage everyone to be bold and step out of their comfort zone and be willing to enjoy the unexpected. That’s where we become the BEST version of ourselves and inspire others to similar leaps in their own lives!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smileonoregon.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalfoundationoforegon/

Image Credits

Lori Ackerman Photography
Ed & Laurie Spradlin