Delta Dental is launching the Delta Dental Institute, which it calls a first of its kind national organization dedicated to spotlighting the importance of oral health.
The company says the Delta Dental Institute will be a national voice calling for healthcare, public policy, academic, and other leaders to begin placing a greater emphasis on oral health and its impact on overall health. The institute will engage in research, outreach, and advocacy to help all Americans make informed decisions about their oral health.
“For too long, oral health has been an afterthought in the nation’s broader health policy conversation. By focusing on rigorous research, deep community involvement, and educating policymakers, the Delta Dental Institute will help give oral health the attention it deserves,” said Joseph Dill, the institute’s head of dental science.
“We’re excited for the institute to serve as a critical resource for community and civic leaders as we work together to improve the nation’s oral health,” said Dill.
Supported by Delta Dental’s national network of member companies and dedicated partners, the Delta Dental Institute will:
- Conduct, support, and promote research to help Americans make informed decisions about oral health. The Delta Dental Institute will partner with leading scientists, academic institutions, healthcare groups, and other organizations to explore important oral health topics and produce data-driven insights.
- Spotlight the more than $60 million being invested this year to break down barriers to oral health. Delta Dental member companies will invest in communities across the country to improve oral health, prevent dental disease, expand access to care, and emphasize the importance of oral health as a part of overall health.
- Serve as a key advocate for oral health in Washington, DC, and across the country. The Delta Dental Institute will educate policymakers, raise awareness about the importance of oral health to overall health, and push for policy solutions to promote access to affordable oral care.
Further, the institute will pursue a substantive research agenda focused on reducing costs associated with preventable dental conditions, better integrating oral health into wellness programs in ways that improve overall health, more effectively integrating medical and dental care to achieve better health outcomes, and improving oral health literacy.
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