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Currently Accepting Grant Applications

Oral Health Care Access

Good oral health starts with having access to care. Through an in-depth data analysis with the Colorado Health Institute and examination of Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation grantees, the San Luis Valley and the East Denver Metro communities were identified as areas where major barriers exist to accessing care.

Our place-based initiative aims to work with these communities to develop long-term relationships, partnerships, resources, and solutions crafted to fit their needs.

We hope to build better, more innovative systems for access to quality oral health care.

DENTAL PROBLEMS

cause elementary school students to miss an average of 2.1 days of school per year in Colorado.

Source: dentistry.usc.edu

Our focus

San Luis Valley

Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties.

East Denver Metro

Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, Swansea, Elyria, Globeville, and/or Northwest Aurora (generally: North Aurora, Hoffman Heights/Jewell Heights, and Fitzsimmons neighborhoods).

Image of a map of Colorado with San Luis Valley and East Denver Metro highlighted in green

the Data

of San Luis Valley residents visited a dentist in the past 12 months compared to 74% statewide.
of residents in the San Luis Valley do not have dental insurance.
of East Denver Metro residents are enrolled in Medicaid.
of residents of the Montbello neighborhood in East Denver Metro live at 100% below the federal poverty level.

Our Goal

Goal
Create a community-led, data-driven, place-based strategy that supports all individuals having affordable, accessible, and comprehensive oral health care.
Who We Serve
Individuals in the San Luis Valley and East Denver Metro areas, which have higher rates of health disparities in addition to income levels at or below 300% of the federal poverty line.
What Success Looks Like
Create systemic change and equitable advancement in the community while influencing and informing policies that increase access to oral health care for community members to develop a blueprint for future programs that can be replicated.
toothbrush-transparent
Portfolio Overview
Systems or Systems Change
$386,818
Education and Outreach
$1,729,324
Direct Services
$1,399,165
Social Determinants of Health
$343,182
BIPOC Served
Over $3,858,400 in Investments
From 2021 – 2024
32 Organizations
45,821 Individuals Served
Policy Priorities
  • Eliminate barriers to food insecurity
  • Expand coverage of preventive services delivered in community-based settings

Our Impact

We amplify our Mile High Smile Power each day through the organizations, individuals, and communities we work with. Learn more about their stories.

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