Oral Health Diversity Fund

Criteria & evaluation

Delta Dental seeks submissions that address the following:

Identify solutions to increase the number of youth interested in pursuing oral health careers, targeted toward school-aged children, from historically underrepresented groups
Submissions to include details on how the concept would be implemented for growth or how an existing program is ready to be scaled at the national level

The Fund invites ideas that respond to one or more of the following questions:

How will you address the lack of awareness of oral health workforce careers in historically underrepresented groups?
How will you increase the supply of diverse candidates for oral health workforce careers?
How will you address the obstacles faced by those from historically underrepresented communities in pursuing oral health careers?

Eligible entities include:

U.S.-domestic entity as defined by:

Is my project or program eligible for funding?
- All applicants must meet a minimum level of criteria to be eligible for funding. We plan to invest in comprehensive solutions, innovative pilots, developed ideas, or proven, scalable models that address barriers that many historically underrepresented groups face in pursuing oral health careers. In 2023, the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund will make targeted investments in programs designed to promote awareness and inspire school-aged children to pursue professional opportunities in oral health — including careers as dentists and all recognized dental specialties, oral health researchers, hygienists, and technicians.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
- Those eligible include U.S.-domestic entities as defined by: 501(c)(3) organizations; private businesses such as a corporation; or limited or general partnerships. Ineligible entities include Delta Dental companies and staff; non-U.S. entities; and individuals.

What is the deadline?
- We are seeking applications to the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund by 5:00 p.m. ET, on Monday, June 12, 2023.

Am I able to save my application and return to it later?
- Yes, there is a “save and resume” feature built into the application.

Can I upload attachments and supporting documents?
- Yes, you can upload attachments to the application.

When will I be notified if my application was accepted?
- Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in the order they are received. You will receive a confirmation email when you submit your application, which will include more information.

How much funding can an organization apply for? Is there a maximum or a specific range?
- There is no maximum or specific range in this first year. Organizations should include their needed funding amount within the application and the amount awarded will be determined based on the merits, needs, and number of applications submitted.

Can I get money from the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund for personal needs?
- The Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund does not make awards or loans to individuals.

Can organizations submit more than one application?
- Yes, organizations can submit more than one application. All applications will be reviewed independently.

How many awards will be given?
- Awards will be determined based on the merits, needs, and number of applications submitted.

Now accepting applications