Advocacy

Expanding access

The Delta Dental Institute educates policymakers, raises awareness about the importance of oral health to overall health, and advocates for policy solutions to promote access to affordable oral care.

We believe every American should have access to the oral health care they need. That's why we're leading the charge to expand access to oral health care across the country. Since 1954, Delta Dental has helped improve the nation's oral health by expanding our dental coverage to over 80 million Americans.

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Inspiring the future of the oral health workforce

Delta Dental companies across the country are deeply invested in their communities and supporting the future of the oral health workforce.

Collaborating to expand the dental workforce

Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation

To address critical dental health professional shortages affecting over 100 of Virginia's 133 localities, the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation helped spearhead the development of a statewide workforce plan. This collaborative effort, involving 30+ professionals, focused on policy, program, and data-driven solutions, including expanding training opportunities, addressing student loan debt, defining career pathways, and obtaining reimbursement for Community Health Workers. The Foundation also partnered with the Virginia Community College System to fund a study exploring the expansion of dental hygiene and assistant program slots.

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Policy spotlights

The Delta Dental Institute addresses the oral health crisis and health disparities

The Delta Dental Institute submitted a letter to the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health on the oral health crisis and identifying and addressing opportunities to reduce health disparities. In the letter, the Delta Dental Institute emphasizes oral health's integral role in overall health and ensuring they have access to the high-quality dental care they need.

Read the letter

The Delta Dental Institute highlights the importance of oral health literacy with policymakers

The Delta Dental Institute submitted a letter to the Chair of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health on the importance of oral health literacy as a public health priority. In the letter, the Delta Dental Institute urges the Subcommittee to continue to highlight the importance of this topic while advancing equitable policies and initiatives that mitigate the types of disparities many Americans are facing.

Read the letter

Advocating for health equity

From farm to teeth: reimagining school-based oral health programs

Expert Voices Blog: Healthy smiles, Healthy lives

Building a stronger future: supporting AI/AN dental students

Improving health outcomes through collaboration

NAF's Innovative Approach to Oral Health Education

National highlights

Benefits for children

The majority of Americans support legislation that helps improve access to dental benefits for all children.

Legislation to improve access

Despite differing views around health care policy, people around the country overwhelmingly support legislation that would improve access to dental benefits for all Americans.

Government programs

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans think that dental benefits should be included in government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Impact on overall health

There is overwhelming consensus that oral health impacts overall health.