Delta Dental Awards $16.3M to Nonprofits

 The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliates, today announced $16.3 million in funding to approximately 200 nonprofit organizations through its Access to Care Grants Program. This funding, which matches last year’s impressive annual total, will support initiatives across the company’s 15-state service area and Washington, D.C., to expand access to quality, affordable oral health care.

“We are proud to continue our commitment to improving access to care by supporting local nonprofits that serve those most in need,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California and its affiliates. “Hearing and seeing the positive impact that our nonprofit partners have in their communities really touches our hearts and reminds us that we are collectively working toward our shared goal of building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.”

The Community Care Foundation is focused on driving health equity through key programs:

• Seniors and Special Populations: Programs that address health disparities and provide care for vulnerable seniors and special needs populations.
• Innovative and Preventive Care: Initiatives that advance new technologies and preventive methods to improve dental health outcomes.
• Rural Communities: Efforts to enhance dental care services in rural and underserved areas.

These grant awards enable partners to provide vital and beneficial services to those most in need in the communities they serve. The impact of Access to Care grant awards reaches beyond a monetary contribution—the awards are elements of long-term relationships that drive tangible benefits for nonprofits, patients, and students. Jong Sup Shon, a senior who received oral health care through nonprofit partner Asian Health Services in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a powerful example.

Born in Korea, Jong and his family immigrated to the United States. He has run many small businesses, including a restaurant, which kept him busy. When he experienced minor toothaches, he simply took painkillers. But when the pain became unbearable, he found himself at the hospital, where it was difficult to communicate with medical staff due to language barriers.

Through Asian Health Services, Jong was able to see a Korean dentist who explained his dental issues and helped him make an informed decision. He got his teeth cleaned and a painful tooth extracted. Now he can chew without pain and enjoy food again.

About the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies, including Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and Delta Dental of New York, Inc. Since 2011, the Community Care Foundation has awarded more than $170 million in funding and support to increase access to quality dental care, oral health education, and to advance scientific research across the company’s 15-state service area and Washington, D.C. For more information about the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, please visit https://www1.deltadentalins.com/foundation.html.