2025 Free Clinic Dentist of the Year

The Charitable Healthcare Network is proud to recognize David Grammel, DDS, as the 2025 Free Clinic Dentist of the Year, honoring his commitment to compassionate, community-focused dental care and his significant contributions to expanding access for underserved patients. 

Over the past year, Dr. Grammel has volunteered more than 30 hours at Physicians CareConnection’s (PCC) extraction clinic, helping address urgent dental needs for patients who might not otherwise have access to care. PCC served 99 patients in 2024 and is projected to serve twice as many in 2025. Through his service, Dr. Grammel has helped prevent unnecessary emergency room visits, reduced downstream dental and medical costs, and enabled patients to avoid missed work due to worsening oral health issues. His expertise and patient-centered approach strengthen community health by ensuring individuals receive timely, high-quality care when they need it most.

Physicians CareConnection (PCC) is a volunteer-based, charitable organization affiliated with the Columbus Medical Association, coordinating care for vulnerable adults in Central Ohio. PCC offers medical services on Mondays and Wednesdays at their main location and dental services at the Columbus Public Health Department, held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The clinic serves low-income, uninsured, and underinsured residents by providing crucial medical and dental services, care coordination, and connections to insurance and specialty care. PCC’s model helps hard-to-reach populations access timely, affordable care, improving health outcomes and reducing emergency healthcare costs.

Dr. Grammel grew up in Fairfield, Ohio, where his early interest in dentistry began, eventually leading him to earn his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He later met his wife, Andrea Sweazy, DDS,  while conducting research at OSU. Together, they built a thriving practice at Canal Family Dentistry, Inc. Their commitment to patient care has become a true family legacy. Today, their daughters, Audrey, DDS, and Annalise, a dental student at OSU, are continuing that legacy in the dental profession and often volunteer alongside their father.

Dr. Grammel notes that one of the most meaningful parts of his volunteer work is seeing returning patients, often accompanied by friends or family members, who trust him with their care. This trust is a direct reflection of the welcoming, respectful environment he creates for every person he serves. Patients consistently share how his kindness and calm presence make them feel safe and valued, no matter their circumstances.

Dr. Grammel’s commitment to community service has inspired his entire family to get involved. After learning about volunteer opportunities at a Columbus Dental Society meeting, he began volunteering with PCC following encouragement from his wife and daughter. Today, both of his daughters volunteer regularly at PCC’s extraction clinic, not just giving their time but helping build a more accessible path to oral healthcare for Ohioans. 

“Volunteering has become a meaningful family activity,” he said. “Though it may not be a typical family outing, spending time together doing something that directly benefits people who otherwise may not have access to care is what keeps us returning. We also truly enjoy working with the dedicated staff at Physicians CareConnection and Columbus Public Health.”

“Dr. Grammel embodies the values of compassion, community, and patient-centered care. His clinical excellence and unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable populations make him an outstanding recipient of this award,” Kristina Kegley, Program Director at Physicians CareConnection, shared in his nomination. 

Through his measurable impact and lifelong dedication to serving others, Dr. David Grammel exemplifies the spirit of Free Clinic Appreciation Month, demonstrating compassion, service, and community.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Grammel on being named the 2025 Free Clinic Dentist of the Year, and celebrating the impact of volunteers and providers like him who make free and charitable clinics a vital part of Ohio’s healthcare safety net. He and all of this year’s Free Clinic Appreciation Month Award recipients will be honored at the Free Clinic Appreciation Awards Reception on April 29, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. For more information about the event, please visit: https://www.charitablehealthcarenetwork.org/who-we-are/what-we-do/free-clinic-appreciation-month.html