Delta Dental Plan of Colorado Foundation Inc.

Successful oral-health outcomes begin with being able to access oral-health-care. This initiative addresses barriers around access and utilization in two Colorado communities that experience high rates of poverty and limited access to quality oral health care. Through an in-depth data analysis with the Colorado Health Institute and examination of the past work and current grantees of the foundation, the San Luis Valley and the East Metro (including people living in Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, and the Northwest Aurora neighborhoods of North Aurora, Hoffman Heights/Jewell Heights, and Fitzsimmons neighborhoods) communities have been selected as the focus of our efforts. Every community has unique assets and challenges. 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, innovative systems for access to quality oral-health care.

Goal: Create a community-led, data-driven, place-based strategy that supports all individuals having affordable, accessible, and comprehensive oral-health-care

Focus Population: Communities in the San Luis Valley and East Metro (including people living in Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, and the Northwest Aurora neighborhoods of North Aurora, Hoffman Heights/Jewell Heights, and Fitzsimmons neighborhoods) that have higher rates of health disparities and income levels at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty line.

Projected outcomes:
• Create systemic change and equitable advancement in the community
• Influence and inform policies that increase access to oral-health-care for community members.
• Develop a blueprint for future programs that can be replicated by other regions in Colorado.

The oral-health care field is disproportionally represented by white professionals, especially for higher-paying positions like dentists and hygienists, while dental assistant positions are disproportionately represented by people of color. Through our grant-making, we hope to provide new avenues for communities of color to enter the profession and access opportunities for advancement. We believe tapping into local talent will provide pathways to prosperity to populations that are historically excluded and diversify the oral-health-care field which is important to ensure greater health outcomes for all people. According to the Colorado Health Institute, Black and Hispanic patients with providers of the same race are more likely to consistently seek preventative care. They are also more likely to be satisfied with their health care overall.
(Citation: Saha, S., Komaromy, M., Koepsell, T. D., & Bindman, A. B. (1999). Patient-physician racial concordance and the perceived quality and use of health care. Archives of internal medicine, 159(9), 997–1004

Goal: Create a more racially and ethnically diverse oral-health workforce, resulting in further reduction of access-to-care barriers and increasing culturally and socially relevant oral-health-care delivery.

Focus Population: Communities of color with the desire to advance their careers in oral-health-care by pursuing jobs such as dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants.

Projected outcomes: Increase diversity in the oral-health workforce resulting in increased access to care for communities of color.

Mission-related investments (MRIs): In addition to grant-making, which is guided by the initiatives, the foundation also works with community partners to offer MRIs, which are financial investments that further an organization’s mission. MRIs can be another powerful tool to further our mission to advance oral-health equity. To review the loan guidelines, please visit our website.