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Grant Application - Delta Dental Foundation
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dennis Joyner, Public Health Division, Health Director, 704-296-4801
ACTION REQUESTED:
Receive as information Division of Public Health’s grant application to the Delta Dental Foundation.
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 is requesting 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 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 with 1,440 being adults and 1,122 being 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.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None