Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation
Evaluating Community Oral Health
Oral health is tricky business because when compared to physical health the evidence base for our work is far more limited. We know fluoride and sealants improve oral health of individuals. Borrowing from our friends in other sectors, we know that reducing barriers to accessing care through creative and innovative models works. However, there are…
Increased Age, Decreased Dental Care
The older adult population is set to make US history. In 2035, they will outnumber children age 18 and younger for the first time ever (at approximately 78 million). The group will grow to almost 94 million by 2060. Sadly, many will not have access to dental care, which will negatively affect their overall health. However,…
Lifting People (and Smiles) Up
As a nonprofit it’s our responsibility, and a privilege, to give to causes that align with Delta Dental of Colorado’s mission: to improve the oral health of the communities we serve. Our vision, a healthy smile for all, inspires us to make contributions that lift people up. We embrace the spirit of the West, finding…
The Health Sign that gets Overlooked too Often
Oral health is all around us and it’s more than just a pretty smile. It is our connection to a provider that not only cares for our gums and teeth but can also look into our mouth and tell when we have other health issues in our body. As children learn to form sounds and…
Employees Leave a Mark on Colorado Nonprofits
We contributed $120,000 to 10 Colorado-based nonprofit organizations through our employee-driven iGive program – now that’s reason to celebrate! “Our employees are at the center of what makes our company great,” said Helen Drexler, Chief Executive Officer of Delta Dental of Colorado. “The spirit of giving back, as captured by iGive, is how we honor…
Delta Dental of Colorado’s 5th Annual Day of Service with a Smile
Our Annual Day of Service with a Smile, presented by our community engagement program, is an opportunity for employees to make a real, tangible difference in our local community. We rounded up 31 internal employees and 38 of their family members. Our 69 volunteers divided into two groups; half were at Stapleton Central Park , and half…
Funding Available for Oral Health Equity
Oral health is a window into individual and community well-being. At Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation (DDCOF), we’re committed to partnering with communities so more people have healthier smiles. Earlier this year we announced our new mission: to elevate the well-being of all Coloradans by advancing oral health equity. Our efforts to improve oral health…
Closing the Gap Between Medical and Dental Care Visits
Any new parent will tell you they’re often going to well-child visits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends up to 12 checkups during the first three years of a child’s life. The regular visits create trust among pediatrician, parent, and child. According to the 2015 Colorado Health Access Survey, more than 90% of…
The Importance of Oral Health: Spreading the Word to Colorado
Delta Dental of Colorado uniquely understands the critical connection between oral health and overall health. Beyond just giving you the ability to eat, speak, and smile, your oral health affects your overall health AND your financial health. We want our members and all Coloradans to understand this fact so that they make it a priority! For…
Mission Critical: Programs That Improve Oral Health in Vulnerable Communities
Giving back impacts the oral health of Colorado’s underserved populations the most. That’s because dental disease is a chronic problem among low-income and vulnerable populations. Many advances have contributed to improved oral health in our underserved Colorado communities: Community water fluoridation reduces the gap in decay rates of Americans. The CDC says it’s the most cost-effective…