AUGUST 2022 // Flagstaff Business News
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Oral Health Heroes Delta Dental Invests in Northern Arizona
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By Alison Bailin, FBN
his summer, the Delta Dental Institute released its 2021 Community Impact Report, highlighting the philanthropic investments that Delta Dental made nationally last year to support the oral and overall health of communities across the country. According to the report, Delta Dental of Arizona contributed over $1.7 million, positively impacting 211,530 individuals across the state. A national leader in oral health giving, Delta Dental supported efforts and initiatives that expand access to care, advance health equity, build resilient communities and innovate for a healthier tomorrow. In total, Delta Dental invested $106 million in communities in 2021 — an increase over 2020 — and positively impacted more than 21.3 million lives. Across Northern Arizona, Delta Dental’s philanthropic work is twofold, in that their team has invested significant dollars in programs that support the community via grants as well as directly partnering with health care centers on medical-dental integration programs and dental clinics
providing care to the underserved. Delta Dental was among the sponsors of the recent Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation (CADSF) AZ MOM North event. During the Fort Tuthill event this summer, more than 600 volunteer dentists, hygienists, lab technicians and assistants provided free care to approximately 800 people over two days. The focus of this program was to alleviate pain and infection by providing dental treatments such as fillings, extractions, cleanings, as well as limited lab work, including dentures for people of all ages. “Delta Dental of Arizona is dedicated to increasing access to oral health care and education for all individuals and families statewide. Without focused, intentional effort to support those within our community who do not have access to affordable, preventative care and oral health education, we cannot achieve this goal,” said Michael Jones, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona. In addition to this recent support, according to Jones, Delta Dental also awarded more than $140,000 in grants across Northern Arizona, including: Coconino County Cooperative Extension received a $20,000 grant to support its Tiny Teeth, Big Smiles program, which provides oral health services to children who are not being
Members of the Delta Dental of Arizona leadership team, including president and CEO Michael Jones, volunteer at the June AZMOM free dental clinic in Flagstaff. Courtesy photo
served or do not qualify for other programs due to lack of insurance or AHCCCS status. The program provides education, dental screen-
ings, fluoride varnish, sliver diamine fluoride, in-classroom toothbrushing, curriculum, and referrals to children in Flagstaff Title 1 preschools and elemen-
tary schools. Flagstaff Medical Center received a $10,000 grant to support prevention
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