Northeast Delta Dental Approves Support for Smiles Across America®
Northeast Delta Dental Approves Support for Smiles Across America®CHICAGO—Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, Inc. has awarded a $5,000 grant to Oral Health America in support of Smiles Across America®, a program that helps communities nation wide in developing infrastructure to address
Northeast Delta Dental Approves Support for Smiles Across America®
CHICAGO—Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, Inc. has awarded a $5,000 grant to Oral Health America in support of Smiles Across America®, a program that helps communities nation-wide in developing infrastructure to address unmet dental care needs. Northeast Delta Dental’s funding will reach underserved areas in Maine, providing needed preventive services such as the placement of dental sealants, fluoride varnish treatments and oral assessments for children who are at risk for a lifetime of oral disease.
“The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation Board voted unanimously to grant funds to support the work of Smiles Across America in Maine,” said Kathleen Walker, APR, Treasurer, Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, Inc. “We appreciate partnering with Oral Health America and other funders to ensure that the sum of our efforts has a meaningful impact on the lives of families in the region.”
In Maine, Smiles Across America supports school-based and school-linked dental programs that reach over 8,000 children annually in Presque Isle, Machias, and Portland. Shortages of dentists in Maine contribute to the challenges presented in a largely rural state, where the nearest dental clinic can be up to two hours away. Smiles Across America-funded care providers in Maine see children regularly who are suffering from untreated tooth decay.
“Oral Health America is particularly heartened by the local support that Northeast Delta Dental Foundation is able to provide, and their recognition of the benefits of collaborating beyond the region with a national program,” said Beth Truett, President and CEO, Oral Health America. “We are deeply appreciative of their grant, and acknowledge our responsibility to the children of Maine in expanding access to care.”
Oral Health America improves public health by eliminating oral disease, especially for our most vulnerable citizens, by educating and empowering communities to provide access to care, and advocating for policies that create oral health parity. To find out how you can participate, visit www.oralhealthamerica.org.
