The family of a prominent Portland pediatrician recently announced the formation of a $12 million foundation dedicated to improving the oral and dental health of Maine children.

The Sadie and Harry Davis Foundation was introduced at a press conference at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center by foundation president Andrew Klingenstein, grandson of Dr. Harry Eugene Davis.

The son of Russian immigrants, Davis graduated from Tufts Medical School in 1919. He served as chief of pediatrics at Mercy Hospital in Portland from 1943 until his death in 1963.

Through existing health care providers in Portland, Augusta, Waterville, Fairfield, Pittsfield, Skowhegan and Bangor, the foundation will fund a two-year oral hygiene and fluoridation program for young children. The program is expected to expand to other parts of Maine in the future.

“The foundation’s goal is to significantly reduce the incidence of dental diseases among the state’s children by greatly increasing the number of young children, ages zero to 31/2, who receive preventive oral health care,” said Klingenstein.

– MEG HASKELL, BDN