Fluoride Fellowship Inc. (FFI) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by high school student Neil Upreti, with a mission to support healthcare access for underserved communities around the world—particularly in the area of oral health for school-aged children.

The inspiration for FFI began during Neil’s volunteer work in New Delhi, India, in August 2019. While assisting at dental health camps under the guidance of Dr. Geetika Sharma, CDH, IDA East Delhi, Neil witnessed firsthand the critical shortage of resources. Despite the dedication of local health professionals, only about 25% of children suffering from dental ailments received the necessary tools for preventive care. This gap underscored the urgent need for structured, sustainable support.

Neil recognized an opportunity: while resource-limited communities struggle with access, communities in more developed countries have the capacity to raise awareness, mobilize support, and contribute essential supplies. By building bridges between these communities, FFI could help establish ongoing, preventive care models rooted in education and early intervention—improving quality of life and reducing long-term health complications for underserved youth.

Motivated by this vision, Neil partnered with his cousin, Ria Pandey, to launch a chapter of FFI in the United Kingdom, expanding the nonprofit’s global footprint. Together, they champion the belief that basic oral healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege.

Upon returning to the U.S., Neil used funds he had earned tutoring local students to formally launch Fluoride Fellowship Inc. He reconnected with Dr. Sharma and collaborated to secure a partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA). This partnership enabled FFI to provide both funding and essential supplies to dental camps across schools in East Delhi.

Today, through collaborative efforts across the U.S., U.K., and India, FFI continues to support dental care and health education for K–12 students in under-resourced communities. The goal is to expand this into a multi-year, scalable program—driven by community partnerships—to ensure sustained delivery of dental hygiene tools, preventive care, and empowerment through education for children and adolescents.