Delta Dental Invests More Than $82,000 to Improve Oral Health Access in Missouri

Delta Dental of Missouri—a nonprofit and the state’s leading dental benefits provider—recently invested more than $82,000 in oral health initiatives statewide, funding three organizations working to expand access to care, strengthen education and improve prevention for underserved populations.

The grants support programs serving cancer patients, low-income families and children in rural communities:

• The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis) received $25,000 to expand access to dental clearance care prior to cancer treatment for patients with head and neck tumors, helping ensure they can begin treatment without delay.

• University Health Foundation (Kansas City) received $40,687 to enhance care delivery with new dental equipment, improving access for underserved patients, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Southeastern Missouri Area Health Education Center (Marble Hill) received $16,850 to expand education, prevention and career awareness through school-based programs and mobile dental services.

“We are sincerely grateful to Delta Dental for its generous investment in University Health,” stated Emily Parish, executive director of University Health Foundation. “Putting patients first is at the heart of everything we do. This funding expands our ability to provide care for underserved individuals and families who depend on us most. Delta Dental’s support brings us one step closer to a healthier, more equitable community.”

Executive Director of Community Impact for Delta Dental of Missouri Stacy Harris added, “We are proud to partner with organizations addressing critical oral health challenges across Missouri. Together we are expanding access to care, improving health outcomes and supporting stronger, healthier communities .”

To learn how eligible organizations can apply for oral health grant funding in 2026, visit deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program.

About Delta Dental of Missouri  

Delta Dental of Missouri is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization and the state’s leading dental benefits provider. As a nonprofit, its mission is to improve overall health and well-being in the communities it serves. It provides more than 2.41 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 deltadentalmo.com/resourceguide. To learn more about the company, visit DeltaDentalMO.com.

###