Contact:
Nikki Stephan
Franco Public Relations Group
(313) 567-5029
stephan@franco.com

Delta Dental Foundation Contributes to
Trinity Free Clinic, Inc.

$15,000 grant will assist in patient care at the dental clinic

OKEMOS, Mich. (Feb. 28, 2007) – The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, recently donated $15,000 to Carmel, Ind.-based Trinity Free Clinic. Nancy Hostetler, senior vice president of the Delta Dental Foundation, made the announcement.

The clinic was established in 2000 and is dedicated to providing free medical, health and dental care to uninsured and low-income residents of Hamilton County. Currently, more than 400 medical professionals and support volunteers staff the Trinity Free Clinic. More than 2,400 patients visited the clinic in 2006, half of which were seeking dental care.

The DDF donation will support patient care through the operation of the dental clinic and the maintenance of equipment and supplies. The dental clinic, equipped with a dental assessment room, a lab room and two dental treatment areas, is the most in-demand service offered by the Trinity Free Clinic. The staff provides an initial screening to patients, including an assessment of X-rays, a dental exam and a treatment plan from the dentist. Follow-up appointments are scheduled before the patient leaves the screening.

“We are proud that our donation to the Trinity Free Clinic will allow those needing dental care in Hamilton County to receive treatment in a caring and professional environment,” said Hostetler. “Given the strong connection between oral health and overall health, our investment in the dental clinic will enhance the general health and well-being of the many people who frequent the clinic specifically for dental care.”

According to Maggie Charnoski, executive director of the Trinity Free Clinic, the dental program was started in 2003 after staff in the acute medical clinic noticed a high rate of dental problems in their patients. Since then, the dental clinic has expanded along with the demand for its services.

“There are usually 10 or 12 patients waiting in line to be seen by our dentists before the doors open at 8 a.m. each Saturday,” said Charnoski. “This just proves the need this county has for a dental clinic that services residents who can’t afford proper treatment. Thanks to this generous grant from the Delta Dental Foundation, we can continue to make a difference in Hamilton County.”

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980 by Delta Dental of Michigan, which also operates Delta Dental of Ohio and Delta Dental of Indiana. The Foundation’s goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs.