Advocacy

Expanding access

The Delta Dental Institute educates policymakers, raises awareness about the importance of oral health to overall health, and advocates for policy solutions to promote access to affordable oral care.

We believe every American should have access to the oral health care they need. That's why we're leading the charge to expand access to oral health care across the country. Since 1954, Delta Dental has helped improve the nation's oral health by expanding our dental coverage to over 80 million Americans.

What we stand for

In our efforts to ensure that every American can enjoy a healthy smile, the Delta Dental Institute remains committed to:

Educating policymakers and other stakeholders on the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health
Expanding access to oral health care, especially to underserved populations
Understanding the unique oral health challenges and needs of your community
Driving research to ensure effective oral health solutions for all Americans
Advancing oral health by giving back to the communities we serve

Policy spotlight

Delta Dental Institute highlights the importance of oral health literacy with policymakers

Vivian Vasallo, Executive Director of the Delta Dental Institute submitted a letter to the Chair of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health on the importance of oral health literacy as a public health priority. In the letter, the Delta Dental Institute urges the Subcommittee to continue to highlight the importance of this topic while advancing equitable policies and initiatives that mitigate the types of disparities many Americans are facing.

Read the letter

Expert voices blog

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A dentist's journey working with special needs patients

By: Mark S. Wolff, DDS, Ph.D., Morton Amsterdam Dean, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

- Aug 19 2022

Personalized dental care through data and technology

By: Dr. Joseph Errante, Vice President, Provider Network & Clinical Strategies, Northeast Delta Dental

- Jul 20 2022

Dentists are on the front line for oral and overall health

By: Dr. Keith Libou, Chief Clinical Officer, Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut

- Mar 09 2022

National highlights

Benefits for children

The majority of Americans support legislation that helps improve access to dental benefits for all children.

Legislation to improve access

Despite differing views around health care policy, people around the country overwhelmingly support legislation that would improve access to dental benefits for all Americans.

Government programs

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans think that dental benefits should be included in government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Impact on overall health

There is overwhelming consensus that oral health impacts overall health.