To help meet the dental health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri – the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a non-profit organization – recently awarded Chillicothe Municipal Utilities a $5,262 oral health grant. The funds will be used to replace local community water fluoridation equipment, helping to prevent tooth decay among the more than 11,000 individuals served by the city’s water service.
The grant is part of a $100,000 commitment to community water fluoridation in 2024, made by Delta Dental of Missouri to help upgrade or replace fluoridation equipment in public water systems across the state.
Community Water Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride levels in a community’s water supply to reach the optimum level for oral health protection, 0.7 mg/L. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, community water fluoridation has been identified as the most cost-effective method of delivering fluoride, reducing tooth decay by 25% in children and adults. By preventing cavities, it has been shown to save money both for families and the U.S. healthcare system. Community water fluoridation is recommended by nearly all public health, medical and dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. Public Health Service and World Health Organization.
“We’re pleased to help local communities like Chillicothe overcome the financial barriers associated with purchasing the necessary equipment to continue community water fluoridation,” commented Stacy Harris, community outreach supervisor at Delta Dental of Missouri. “These costs shouldn’t stand in the way of reducing dental disease. That’s why we’re excited to put this grant to work to help people of all ages live better lives through improved oral and overall health.”
This year alone, Delta Dental of Missouri has awarded more than $393,000 in oral health grants to support oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes across the state. To learn more about the company’s mission giving grant program, visit: https://www.deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/about/statement-on-the-evidence-supporting-the-safety-and-effectiveness-of-community-water-fluoridation.html; https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-community-water-fluoridation.html
About Delta Dental of Missouri
Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides more than 2.37 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314)436-9090
kelly@hausergrouppr.com