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Category: Blog

Evaluating Community Oral Health

Oral health is tricky business because when compared to physical health the evidence base for our work is far more limited. We know fluoride and sealants improve oral health of individuals. Borrowing from our friends in other sectors, we know that reducing barriers to accessing care through creative and innovative models works. However, there are […] The post Evaluating Community Oral Health appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.

Increased Age, Decreased Dental Care

The older adult population is set to make US history. In 2035, they will outnumber children age 18 and younger for the first time ever (at approximately 78 million). The group will grow to almost 94 million by 2060. Sadly, many will not have access to dental care, which will negatively affect their overall health. However, […] The post Increased Age, Decreased Dental Care appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.

Lifting People (and Smiles) Up

As a nonprofit it’s our responsibility, and a privilege, to give to causes that align with Delta Dental of Colorado’s mission: to improve the oral health of the communities we serve. Our vision, a healthy smile for all, inspires us to make contributions that lift people up. We embrace the spirit of the West, finding […] The post Lifting People (and Smiles) Up appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.

The Health Sign that gets Overlooked too Often

Oral health is all around us and it’s more than just a pretty smile. It is our connection to a provider that not only cares for our gums and teeth but can also look into our mouth and tell when we have other health issues in our body. As children learn to form sounds and […] The post The Health Sign that gets Overlooked too Often appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.

Employees Leave a Mark on Colorado Nonprofits

We contributed $120,000 to 10 Colorado-based nonprofit organizations through our employee-driven iGive program – now that’s reason to celebrate! “Our employees are at the center of what makes our company great,” said Helen Drexler, Chief Executive Officer of Delta Dental of Colorado. “The spirit of giving back, as captured by iGive, is how we honor […] The post Employees Leave a Mark on Colorado Nonprofits appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.

Delta Dental of Colorado’s 5th Annual Day of Service with a Smile

Our Annual Day of Service with a Smile, presented by our community engagement program, is an opportunity for employees to make a real, tangible difference in our local community. We rounded up 31 internal employees and 38 of their family members. Our 69 volunteers divided into two groups; half were at Stapleton Central Park , and half […] The post Delta Dental of Colorado’s 5th Annual Day of Service with a Smile appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.

Funding Available for Oral Health Equity

Oral health is a window into individual and community well-being. At Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation (DDCOF), we’re committed to partnering with communities so more people have healthier smiles. Earlier this year we announced our new mission: to elevate the well-being of all Coloradans by advancing oral health equity. Our efforts to improve oral health […] The post Funding Available for Oral Health Equity appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.

Reaching more rural communities

Coloradans of all ages experience oral health disparities. We work to create a continuum of accessible oral health care across a lifetime. Through collaboration with communities, we intend to reach groups that have been historically overlooked.

Across Colorado

Seven rural Colorado counties lack dental services, which means there is no practicing dentist or dental clinic in the county. Ten other counties have limited dental services, which means two or fewer practicing dentists or dental clinics in the county. Each year, we reach more Colorado communities through activities including toothbrush donationsLand of Smiles and the Colorado Medical-Dental Integration Project. To date we have reached 38 of Colorado’s 64 counties. 

Our theory on improving health in the state

For more than 20 years, Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation has been working to make good oral health a community priority. As a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by the nonprofit Delta Dental of Colorado, we work closely with the company through their community engagement program. We believe our efforts together will improve the health of all Coloradans.

We envision a world where everyone understands that oral and overall health are connected. Collaboration is key to helping Coloradans achieve their optimal well-being. We will partner with organizations to make the greatest impact in the communities they serve. We plan to expand that reach with an open funding opportunity in July. Join our email list to learn more!

Announcing Our New Mission

At Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, we think about oral health every day. It is a window into individual and community well-being. We’re committed to partnering with communities so more people have healthier smiles. Today, we’re excited to announce our new mission: to elevate the well-being of Coloradans by improving oral health equity. At Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, we think about oral health every day. It is a window into individual and community well-being. We’re committed to partnering with communities so more people have healthier smiles. Today, we’re excited to announce our new mission: to elevate the well-being of Coloradans by improving oral health equity.

Everyone has a smile.

We are expanding our focus because oral health impacts Coloradans of all ages. By including all Coloradans, we ensure that oral health is considered across the lifespan – from pregnant women and children to adults and seniors. We are looking for new opportunities to work within our three focus areas:
  • Access to care
  • Prevention of tooth decay
  • Connections of oral health to overall health

We're on a journey.

As our board and staff commit to understanding equity, we value hearing different voices throughout Colorado. We are strengthening our work with communities to create opportunities for people that have historically been overlooked. Health equity isn’t one size fits all. Social determinants, like age, residence, income and ethnicity, impact a person’s oral health. There isn’t one solution for everyone. When regular dental care isn’t accessible, it makes sense that oral health inequities occur. These inequities have negative consequences from quality of life and life expectancy to rates and severity of disease. That’s why we look forward to collaborating with a variety of people and organizations to design and implement activities that have the greatest potential to improve oral health in Colorado communities. Later in the year, we will be offering responsive grant funding opportunities for the first time. We believe our current as well as new partners will draw our attention to unique approaches to move towards oral health equity. Join us on our journey to improve oral health equity. We want to hear from you – your stories, values and ideas about this topic. Check out this video announcing our new mission and learn how you can join the conversation.

Closing the Gap Between Medical and Dental Care Visits

  Any new parent will tell you they’re often going to well-child visits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends up to 12 checkups during the first three years of a child’s life. The regular visits create trust among pediatrician, parent, and child. According to the 2015 Colorado Health Access Survey, more than 90% of […] The post Closing the Gap Between Medical and Dental Care Visits appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.