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Grant Application - Delta Dental Foundation
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dennis Joyner, Human Services Agency Public Health Division Director, 704-296-4801; Janet Payne, Consolidated Human Services Agency Director, 704-296-4348
ACTION REQUESTED:
1) Approve the Division of Public Health’s request to apply for Delta Dental Foundation funding, 2) upon award of the funding, authorize the County Manager to execute an agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item, and 3) upon receipt of grant award, recognize, receive, and appropriate the awarded amount to the Division of Public Health’s budget.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The Delta Dental Foundation is accepting applications for grant funding up to $5,000 to support community dental care for children through their Smiles for Kids Grants Program. The Public Health Dental Clinic requests approval to apply for these funds to support and expand our dental care services for children who have financial challenges receiving the necessary care. We anticipate 25-30 children can be served through this funding.
The County’s Dental Clinic provides general dentistry services and education to residents who may have difficulty obtaining dental care due to financial needs or access to other providers. The clinic provides services for adults and children beginning at 1 year of age. The clinic accepts Medicaid, third-party insurance and private pay on a sliding-fee scale based on income. In FY2023 the clinic had 2,562 patient visits (1,440 adults and 1,122 children). Of the children served, 48% were uninsured/private pay.
Oral diseases, which range from cavities and gum disease to oral cancer, cause pain and disability for many in our community. Establishing good oral health practices and seeking early dental care is an important component for overall health and is especially important for children to begin routine dental care early in their lives.
The County first applied for and was awarded Delta Dental Foundation grant funding in FY23 (Nov. 7, 2022 BOCC Agenda Item #22-751 approved the grant application). This new application is required to receive additional funds for the current fiscal year’s grant process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Anticipated funding is $5,000 and no County match is requested or required.