Delta Dental Donates $300K to Combat Oral Health Disparities in Missouri!

November 30, 2024

In Missouri, a staggering one in four low-income adults report that their dental health is far from ideal. The situation is even more alarming when it comes to our children, with over 14% of kids aged 1-17 grappling with serious oral health issues like painful toothaches and decayed teeth. These challenges are further intensified by a dire shortage of dental professionals in the state. But hope is on the horizon! Delta Dental of Missouri, a proud non-profit and the state’s premier dental benefits provider, has stepped up to the plate. They’ve awarded a remarkable $300,000 in grants to 11 dedicated organizations committed to making a difference in oral health care. This funding is aimed at uplifting programs that enhance dental health for both children and adults across Missouri.

Julie Eckstein, AVP of Community Health Ministries and interim CEO of Seton Center in Kansas City, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “This funding changes lives. We’ve witnessed our patients walking out with smiles they never thought they could have. It’s not just about dental care; it’s about empowering people to secure jobs, support their families, and improve their overall health.”

Here’s how this vital grant funding will be utilized:

• Care Beyond the Boulevard: Purchasing essential dental supplies and equipment to expand free dental services for the homeless and uninsured in multiple counties.
• SWOPE Health Services: Equipping the Belton Dental Clinic to serve underserved patients of all ages.
• Seton Center: Supporting staff salaries and charitable care for low-income residents across several counties.
• Hope House: Providing much-needed equipment to offer comprehensive dental care at no cost for domestic violence survivors.
• LevelUp Kids: Delivering preventive and restorative dental care at no cost to children from low-income families attending public schools.

Rob Goren, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Missouri, stated, “The organizations we support are tirelessly working to bridge the gap in oral health disparities. Together, we can transform the lives of thousands across the state by ensuring they receive essential dental care and services.”

Delta Dental of Missouri is dedicated to funding initiatives that promote oral health throughout the state. Their grant program focuses on:

• Reducing oral disease through education, prevention, and treatment.
• Ensuring access to affordable, timely, and high-quality dental care.
• Raising awareness about the importance of good oral health, particularly for children and needy individuals.
• Making a significant impact on the oral health of Missourians.
• Striving to position Missouri among the leading states in oral health indicators.

For more insights on this impactful initiative, visit Delta Dental’s Oral Health Grant Program.

About Delta Dental of Missouri
As the leading dental benefits provider in the state, Delta Dental of Missouri proudly serves over 2.37 million members. They offer a range of affordable dental plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations and families alike. Committed to improving oral health awareness and providing care to those in need, Delta Dental is also your resource for low-cost and free dental care options through their Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide. To discover more, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.