Delta Dental Awards $565,000+ to 22 Organizations to Address Oral Health, Help Missourians Get Care

Research shows a strong link between protecting smiles and improving oral health and overall well-being. Yet, disparities prevent many Missourians from getting vital dental care. To help combat this, Delta Dental of Missouri – a non-profit organization and the state’s leading dental benefits provider and oral health philanthropist – recently awarded more than $565,000 in oral health grants to 22 organizations that align with its mission to improve oral health. This includes $25,000 for the Brightli Foundation and $20,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. Both organizations are located in Springfield.

The Brightli Foundation will use funds to provide dentures to uninsured individuals with developmental disabilities who often experience higher rates of oral health issues. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks will use the funding to provide no-cost dental services and educational programming through its Tooth Truck to children who are at risk and without access to dental care.

“Firefly recognizes that the true impact of the grant funding received from Delta Dental of Missouri extends far beyond immediate dental treatment,” stated Celesta Hartgraves, president of Firefly Supported Living and Employment Services, which is supported in part by the Brightli Foundation. “By opening doors to essential care, you are helping to build a future where every individual—regardless of ability—enjoys the dignity, comfort, and joy that comes with a healthy smile. The ripple effect of restored confidence will lead to greater social participation, opportunities for employment, and a more supportive community for all. Together, we are not only transforming smiles but also lives. Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with us as we empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.”

Oral health grant funding was provided to 22 Missouri organizations to advance educational programming, purchase equipment and supplies, host no-cost mobile dental clinics, and provide preventive, restorative and emergency oral health care services. This will help meet the oral health needs of children and adults across the state, including the uninsured, individuals and children from families with low incomes, older adults, immigrants, rural residents, those with transportation barriers and people with special needs, permanent disabilities, cancer and other chronic health conditions.

“Delta Dental is proud to be leading an oral healthcare movement where our mission is your health,” stated Stacy Harris, community impact program manager at Delta Dental of Missouri. “We’re thrilled to partner with each organization to support life-changing work through our oral health grant program. Together, we can help thousands of children and adults across the state receive vital treatment and services to improve their oral health and overall well-being.”

DDMO AWARDS ORAL HEALTH GRANTS
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Delta Dental of Missouri awards grants annually for general operations, programs, projects and capacity-building efforts promoting the oral health of individuals in Missouri. Objectives of its grant program include:

· Reducing oral disease through education, prevention and treatment
· Ensuring access to affordable, timely and high-quality dental care
· Enhancing the awareness of good oral health with a focus on children and individuals in need
· Making a measurable difference in the oral health of Missourians
· Helping to ensure that Missouri is among the states with the highest indicators of oral health.

Delta Dental of Missouri also awarded $127,980 in grants to five organizations in South Carolina, where it also does business. To learn more, visit https://www.deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program.

About Delta Dental of Missouri
Delta Dental of Missouri is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization and the state’s leading dental benefits provider and oral health philanthropist. It provides more than 2.41 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at https://www.deltadentalmo.com/resourceguide. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.