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.

DDI Hero Template Advocacy 3.2023 mobile.jpg

What we stand for

In our efforts to ensure that every American can enjoy a healthy smile, the Delta Dental Institute remains committed to:

Educating policymakers and other stakeholders on the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health
Expanding access to oral health care, especially to underserved populations
Understanding the unique oral health challenges and needs of your community
Driving research to ensure effective oral health solutions for all Americans
Advancing oral health by giving back to the communities we serve

Policy spotlights

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

Vivian Vasallo, Executive Director of 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

Vivian Vasallo, Executive Director of 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

Expert voices blog

Addressing dental fear and anxiety to improve oral health outcomes

By: Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, Morton Amsterdam Dean, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

- Apr 20 2023

Advancing children's healthcare to improve overall health outcomes

By: Dr. Arturo Brito, President & CEO, Children's Health Fund, and James W. Hutchison, President & CEO, Delta Dental Plans Association

- Feb 22 2023

Knowledge is power when it comes to good oral health

By: Vivian Vasallo, Executive Director of the Delta Dental Institute

- Feb 08 2023

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.