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Mara Powell

Delta Dental of Kentucky Invests $1 Million in Regional Oral Health Networks

Establishing Five Regional Networks to Develop Local, Data-Driven Oral Health Solutions

Louisville, KY – Following state results published in the Making Smiles Happen: 2016 Oral Health Study of Kentucky’s Youth, Delta Dental of Kentucky is expanding its commitment to oral health across the state. Delta Dental of Kentucky is providing $1 million to launch five regional networks across the Commonwealth based upon a key recommendation from the 2016 study. These networks will engage diverse partners to develop local, data-driven oral health solutions to the people of Kentucky.

“Improving the oral health of Kentucky’s citizens requires action,” noted Tammy York Day, Chief Operating Officer of Delta Dental of Kentucky. “Delta Dental is steadfast in our mission to be an oral health leader for Kentucky as seen through our $6 million investment in oral health initiatives over the last three years. We are committed to taking the recommendations of our study to the next level by investing regionally across the Commonwealth in the collaboration and development of innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of not only our children, but all residents.”

Delta Dental of Kentucky is partnering with Kentucky Youth Advocates to develop these five regional networks. The multi-sector networks will be comprised of business leaders, educators, and health professionals working together to solve problems and create viable oral health solutions for their communities.

During the unveiling of the 2016 study, Senator Max Wise from Taylor County stepped forward as a legislative oral health champion. “The launch of these networks give Central Kentucky an opportunity to determine the best oral health solutions for our region and allows cross-sectional collaboration among our leaders,” said Senator Max Wise.

Leveraging a diverse network of oral health leaders and professionals is the first step in paving a brighter future for Kentucky kids. The full scope and appointed leaders of each regional network will be revealed in the coming months.

 

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About Delta Dental of Kentucky and Making Smiles Happen®:

Delta Dental of Kentucky is committed to bright smiles and healthy lifestyles for its 700,000 enrollees and the communities we serve. Delta Dental of Kentucky is part of a family of companies that collectively are among the largest, most experienced dental plan administrators in the nation. Our network of providers gives our customers access to high-quality, affordable dental care.

Making Smiles Happen® is Delta Dental of Kentucky’s promise to serve our communities and residents one smile at a time. Aimed with the task of promoting oral health to the citizens of Kentucky, this initiative supports many non-profit partners. Giving back is a core component of our culture at Delta Dental, and Making Smiles Happen enables this support to be given to organizations that champion a better quality of life for citizens throughout our Commonwealth.

About Kentucky Youth Advocates:

Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to have a safe and loving family, have access to quality education and health care, and have opportunities to help them thrive. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children.