Delta Dental's Commitment to Improve Oral Health for Veterans

In recognition of Veterans Day, Delta Dental emphasizes its dedication to enhancing access to essential dental care for the nation's veterans. Despite nearly 9 million veterans qualifying for medical services via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, only a mere 6% actually gain access to dental benefits. This striking gap often leads to adverse oral health consequences, which can hinder overall wellness.

To tackle this critical issue, Delta Dental has allocated close to $2 million over the past year to initiatives supporting veterans’ oral, mental, and holistic health. The extensive reach of Delta Dental encompasses 35 specialized programs, each tailored to bridge the dental care disparity faced by countless veterans. These include free dental clinics, mobile care units, and direct assistance for veterans who are low-income, experiencing homelessness, or medically compromised.

James W. Hutchison, President and CEO of Delta Dental Plans Association, expressed, "On Veterans Day, we take a moment to honor the sacrifices made by those who have defended our nation. At Delta Dental, we are committed to aiding veterans on their journey towards improved health by ensuring they have access to necessary oral care. It’s an integral part of our mission to give back to those who have contributed so much to our freedoms."

Delta Dental also maintains its collaboration with the Dental Lifeline Network through the Lifeline Heroes Challenge—an initiative designed to connect veterans requiring dental care with volunteer dentists willing to provide these services at no charge. Since the program's inception in 2020, Delta Dental has invested nearly $1 million into this collaboration, generating over $17.8 million in donated dental services for veterans, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or medically fragile.

Lynda Ricketson, President and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network, praised Delta Dental's ongoing support, stating, "Delta Dental has been a crucial partner in advancing the oral health of our nation's veterans. Providing essential care to those who have served is a privilege, and we are thankful to Delta Dental for their unwavering commitment to making this care possible."

For dentists interested in contributing to this noble cause, volunteer opportunities are available at WhyIDental.org, where dental professionals can learn how to honor and support veterans in their community.

To delve deeper into Delta Dental's initiative for veterans, visit deltadentalinstitute.com/cir.

About the Delta Dental Institute

The Delta Dental Institute is devoted to advancing oral health for all Americans, partnering with Delta Dental companies and organizations committed to improving oral wellness. With a history of leadership in oral health, the Institute engages in research, community outreach, and advocacy to guarantee everyone recognizes the significance of oral health and can access the necessary care they need. For more information, visit deltadentalinstitute.com.

About Delta Dental Plans Association

Located in Chicago, Illinois, the Delta Dental Plans Association is a non-profit national organization encompassing 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through its vast network—including approximately 151,000 participating dentists—Delta Dental stands as the largest provider of dental benefits in the United States. Over the past 15 years, Delta Dental companies, along with their foundations, have invested over $2.3 billion to enhance oral and overall health within communities across the nation.

About Dental Lifeline Network

Dental Lifeline Network is a national nonprofit organization on a mission to transform the lives of America's most vulnerable adults through a coordinated care system. Benefiting from a volunteer network comprising nearly 12,000 dentists and over 3,300 labs, DLN orchestrates direct service initiatives that provide life-altering treatment to adults who are elderly, have disabilities, are medically fragile, and veterans. To learn more, visit dentallifeline.org.