At Delta Dental of Virginia, we understand that improving the oral health of Virginians involves more than providing high-quality, cost-effective dental plans. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation has awarded $622,000 in grants to Virginia safety-net organizations that focus on improving oral health care in the commonwealth.
2023 Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation Grant Award Winners
Congratulations to all our 2023 grant award winners! We appreciate your work to improve the oral health of Virginians.
Note: The awards will be executed throughout 2024.
Delta Dental of Virginia supports organizations that support oral health in Virginia
The Arlington Free Clinic is advancing its medical-dental integration efforts while tackling treatment barriers and implementing sustainable fee practices to meet the rising demands of its patients. The funds from the grant award will support dental assistants’ salaries and equipment.
The Augusta Regional Dental Clinic aims to increase appointment availability through an expansion project, receiving funding to equip new operatories.
At the Bradley Free Clinic, support from the grant will enable student involvement from VCU’s School of Dentistry, covering stipends, supplies and housing, while also aiding in employing a part-time dental provider.
CHIP is launching Bilingual Clinic Days with other health care organizations, employing a bilingual care coordinator to enhance oral health education and case management.
The Free Clinic of Powhatan plans to extend dental clinic hours by hiring additional providers, supported by grants for professional salaries and supplies.
Hampton Ecumenical Lodging and Provisions INC (HELP) is collaborating with safety-net clinics to integrate 3D printing technology, with funding facilitating the acquisition of necessary equipment for affordable dentures, night guards and crowns for patients. Similarly, Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic is using the funds to venture into 3D printing services for their patients.
Healing Hands Health Center and New Horizons Healthcare will utilize grants to employ full-time dentists, addressing the needs of Medicaid and low-income patients and stabilizing dental workforces.
The Rescue Mission of Roanoke will use the funding for dental clinic salaries, including a part-time dentist and dental assistant. They also aim to provide holistic care for patients and to purchase necessary dental supplies.
These grants signify a concerted effort to enhance dental services and access across Virginia’s health care landscape.
Our “Why”
The Virginia Health Catalyst’s Oral Health Workforce Gap Assessment reveals a significant shortage of oral health professionals across many regions of the state. Out of Virginia’s 133 localities, a staggering 103 are identified as dental geographic Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). Alarmingly, eight localities in Virginia lack any full-time equivalent (FTE) dentists, while five areas have no FTE dental hygienists.
Across Virginia, from Northern Virginia to the remote southwest corner of the state, safety-net clinics are innovating with inventive approaches to enhance the dental workforce, surmount language obstacles and incorporate cutting-edge technologies. This ensures more Virginians have access to oral health care, no matter where they live.
About the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation
Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation is committed to improving the oral health of all Virginians. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $13 million to support education, program development and community partnerships that help create healthy smiles in Virginia through improved access to oral health care, education and research.
For more information about upcoming grant applications, please visit our grants program page.
