#United States #oral health #Delta Dental #Mississippi Delta

Delta Dental Community Care Foundation's Commitment to Oral Health

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the charitable arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliates, has recently announced an expansion of its Senior Oral Health Partnership Program to benefit the underserved seniors in the Mississippi Delta region. This significant initiative comes with a $5 million grant and seeks to address the pressing oral health care needs of older adults living in rural communities.

Expanding Partnerships

The partnership features a collaboration with four key organizations: Delta Health Center, Delta Health System, Mississippi State Office of Oral Health, and the Bolivar County Council on Aging, Inc. Together, they aim to enhance the accessibility of quality dental care for seniors, particularly those who are underserved and face barriers due to economic constraints. This new partnership is pivotal in ensuring that older adults have better access to necessary dental services.

The Need for Improved Oral Health Care

As noted, older adults aged 65 and above will outnumber children in the U.S. by 2034, leading to an urgent need for adequate health care services. According to a Delta Dental survey, a staggering 80% of older adults in America do not visit the dentist as frequently as recommended, highlighting access to dental care as a significant barrier. Additionally, in the Mississippi Delta region, 55% of seniors experience severe tooth loss, with many living below the federal poverty level. The new grant is envisioned to help reverse these statistics through targeted program initiatives.

Goals and Implementation

The Senior Oral Health Partnership Program, initiated in April 2022, is dedicated to reshaping how vulnerable seniors access oral health care by fostering strategic community partnerships. It intends to create and fund local collaborations that support the development of innovative oral health solutions. This partnership emphasizes the direct correlation between oral health and overall wellness, aiming to bridge critical gaps in care for the elderly. The analysis of community needs and successes will guide the partnership's strategies and identify effective solutions.

Collaborating for Better Health Outcomes

Robin Boyles, the chief program planning and development officer at Delta Health Center, expressed the high dental disease rates observed among seniors, reiterating the significant impact dental issues can have on individuals’ overall health and quality of life. The team's excitement about the partnership stems from the hope that it will enhance service delivery for seniors in their communities.

Veronica Gates from the Mississippi State Department of Health highlighted the importance of using oral health surveillance to identify trends and support public health initiatives aimed at improving health equity. As part of the aforementioned collaboration, the program aims to establish practical interventions and innovative programs that ensure better access to dental care, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Success Stories from the Program

Since its inception, the Senior Oral Health Partnership Program has successfully served over 13,000 senior patients. One patient, Caroline Bryant, a 67-year-old retired stroke survivor, shared her gratitude for receiving dental care through Mary's Center, another participant in the program. Despite her Medicare coverage, Caroline’s insurance did not cover dental expenses, illustrating the critical need for such community-driven programs that focus on dental care for seniors.

The Future of Senior Oral Health Care

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation’s ongoing financial commitment of over $20 million to senior oral health initiatives exemplifies its dedication to improving care for older adults. The foundation’s operational history includes awarding more than $170 million in funding to various health initiatives since 2011. The partnership with organizations like Delta Health Center and Delta Health System signifies a proactive approach to tackling oral health disparities within the Mississippi Delta, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in uplifting community health standards.

For more information about the Community Care Foundation’s efforts, please visit their website at https://www1.deltadentalins.com/foundation.html.