Delta Dental Institute: Celebrating five years

In 2019, we launched the Delta Dental Institute to shine a brighter spotlight on the connection between oral health and overall health by engaging in research, community outreach, and advocacy designed to ensure that everyone understands this important connection and has access to the care they need.

Since then, we have seen substantial policy and societal transformations showing that our work, and that of our fellow travelers, is making a difference. For example, in 2021, for the first time, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services appointed a chief dental officer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, oral health providers were included along with medical providers in emergency legislation to help them stay open and continue providing care to American families.  Today, oral health is routinely recognized as a critical part of overall health – by both federal and state legislators and an overwhelming majority of Americans.

This year, we are proud to publish our fifth annual national community impact report, which comprehensively describes the deep community engagement and investments being made by the Delta Dental companies and their foundations to improve oral health, prevent dental disease, and expand access to care. We are continually evolving to meet the diverse needs of those we serve, and have created national partnerships with impactful organizations, including the American Red Cross and PBS Kids, to support communities experiencing national disasters and expand oral health education and literacy for our young people.

While five years of national reporting is a great thing, Delta Dental has been investing in the health of our communities since our founding 70 years ago. Community engagement is at the core of who we are and our mission to advance oral and overall health.