Delta Dental Partners With Dental School to Expand Dental Care and Strengthen Dental Workforce

More than 1.7 million South Carolinians live in federally designated dental professional shortage areas, ranking among the highest populations impacted in the nation. To help address this challenge, Delta Dental of South Carolina is partnering with the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine located at the Medical University of South Carolina through its new Partnering for Access to Care and Training (PACT) pilot program. The initiative will expand access to dental care for underserved patients while helping educate the next generation of oral health professionals.

Delta Dental of South Carolina awarded a $25,000 grant to the state’s dental school to support student-delivered care and help offset unreimbursed services for uninsured and underinsured patients. PACT also provides students with opportunities to connect with industry leaders through lunch-and-learn sessions, clinical showcases and discussions focused on patient outcomes and career pathways into community-based care.

"The dental workforce shortage continues to create barriers to care for families statewide," said Stacy Harris, executive director of community impact for Delta Dental of South Carolina. "Through the PACT program, we're helping more patients receive essential dental services while giving future dentists valuable hands-on experience serving those with the greatest oral health needs. It's an investment in both immediate access to care and the long-term strength of South Carolina’s oral health workforce."

PACT is part of Delta Dental of South Carolina’s broader investment in South Carolina’s oral health workforce. Since 2023, the organization has invested more than $525,000 to support future oral health professionals and improve access to care across the state.

About Delta Dental of South Carolina 

Delta Dental of South Carolina, a trade name of Delta Dental of Missouri, is a nonprofit dental and vision benefits provider serving more than 440,000 members statewide. Through affordable group and individual plans, the company is committed to improving oral and overall health while delivering simpler, better experiences for members, providers, brokers, and employer groups. As part of its nonprofit mission, Delta Dental invests in oral health initiatives, educational programs, and charitable causes that expand access to care and strengthen the communities it serves. Learn more at DeltaDentalSC.com.