Partnering for better health: improving health outcomes through collaboration

This article was original published on MilkenInstitute.org.

While addressing complex issues in health care remains a major challenge, partnerships can support the greater community ecosystem and improve care delivery for those in need. Oftentimes, unexpected partnerships lead to the most impactful outcomes by enhancing the health-care workforce, bridging access gaps, and supporting Americans in thriving as they age.

A sustainable and diverse health-care workforce is critical to excellent patient care, and we have some work to do. Investing in the future of the oral health workforce is critical because oral health is deeply connected to overall health, impacting everything from cardiovascular disease to diabetes to dementia and other chronic conditions, and research in the Journal of the National Medical Association shows that racial and ethnic diversity among health professionals is linked to improved patient outcomes. Like the medical workforce, the current oral health workforce generally does not reflect the communities it serves. Creating more oral health care professionals—dentists, hygienists, therapists, and assistants—from historically underrepresented groups means increased access to preventive care, which helps improve outcomes and reduce costs.

In 2023, we launched the Driving Greater Diversity in the Oral Health Workforce Campaign, which includes the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund, to advance oral health education, research, and community investment. The fund provides up to $1 million annually in programs to inspire school-aged children from historically underrepresented groups to pursue a career in oral health. In addition to the fund, our partnership with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society focuses on the importance of oral health in overall health and increasing the representation of I ndigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in oral health professions. Partnering with organizations closest to communities in need is a necessary step toward building a lasting, diverse health-care workforce.

More than 90 percent of rural areas in the United States face a shortage of health workers, including dentists, according to the Joint Economic Committee. This often leads to poor health outcomes and high mortality rates. For rural communities, it is essential to meet patients where they are and address disparities proactively.

To improve access, we provided free or low-cost dental screenings and exams to more than 1.7 million people in underserved areas in 2023. Additionally, the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation has supported safety-net clinics, expanding access to affordable dental care in areas with health professional shortages. Through partnerships like the Fulfilling Iowa's Need for Dentists and South Dakota's Dentist Loan Repayment program, we have helped attract and retain dentists in rural communities by offering loan repayment programs. These initiatives help ensure patients in rural and underserved areas receive high-quality dental care.

Health care must evolve to meet the unique needs of an aging population, and the focus must shift toward promoting quality of life at every stage. This approach emphasizes whole-person health, which goes beyond the doctor's office and integrates broader aspects of well-being.

We are actively supporting whole-person health and encouraging healthy aging through partnerships that reach beyond traditional health-care settings. In collaboration with PBS, we developed Healthy Smile Learning digital resources to fill gaps in children's oral health education, focusing on early intervention and prevention. Programs like CATCH Healthy Smiles bring lessons on tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and regular dental visits directly into classrooms.

Partnerships that bridge gaps in care, enhance the health-care workforce, and address the diverse needs of communities are essential to overcoming today’s health-care challenges. Delta Dental is committed to working alongside educational institutions, community organizations, and local clinics to promote health equity and improve patient outcomes. By fostering collaboration, the future health-care system will be better equipped to deliver quality health care, regardless of geographic or demographic barriers.