The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California, has launched a funding program to address the oral healthcare crisis among older adults.
Along with initial partners Howard University College of Dentistry and the federally qualified health center Mary's Center, the foundation will aim to promote the oral-systemic link, provide quality outcomes, improve access, and create greater equity in the care and treatment that adults age 65 and older receive.
Howard University College of Dentistry and Mary's Center, which are based in the Washington D.C. area, will collect data on patient pathology, treatment, barriers to access, and social determinants of health. The information will be used to identify effective interventions and inform the Delta Dental Senior Oral Health Care Model, which will be replicated as the program develops.
Over the next three to five years, the foundation plans to expand the program to other communities and partnerships.
