Having healthy teeth and gums is vital beyond the beauty of a great smile.
Oral health has a major impact on overall health, medical costs and quality of life. Oral diseases encompass a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, noma and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. Dental diseases negatively impact those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged, and tend to disproportionately affect individuals with low socioeconomic status. This correlation persists throughout the entire life span, from early childhood to old age, irrespective of the overall income level of the country.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround the teeth. This has been linked to a variety of health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections, bacterial aspiration pneumonia, pregnancy complications, and dementia.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Delta Dental of Kansas through its Community Benefit Program, which provides funding for dental treatment for uninsured low-income households.
Delta Dental of Kansas and United Way of Greater Kansas City are dedicated to giving back to our community. Over the past decade, Delta Dental of Kansas has given over $10 million back to non-profit organizations, schools and clinics supporting health initiatives that have a significant impact.
The program operates like insurance, connecting patients with providers in the Delta Dental network. Those who enroll get two years of coverage with $3,000 in services annually for each household member. United Way partner organizations help identify qualifying families and assist them in enrolling.
Through this partnership between United Way and Delta Dental of Kansas, 1,418 people in low-income households have been enrolled in free dental coverage, receiving $1.3 million in dental care since the initiative’s launch in 2021. Together, we work towards eliminating barriers and ensuring that all individuals receive the care they deserve.
