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Delta Dental Foundation contributes to the Partnership for a Healthier Johnson County

$5,000 grant will assist in patient care at dental clinic

OKEMOS, Mich., (May 23, 2007) – The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, recently donated $5,000 to Franklin, Ind.-based Partnership for a Healthier Johnson County (Partnership). Nancy Hostetler, senior vice president of the Delta Dental Foundation, made the announcement.

The grant will help fund the free dental clinic, which is a collaboration of the Partnership, Esperanza en Jesucristo Hispanic Center and dental professional and lay volunteers. Esperanza assists in scheduling appointments for Spanish-speaking patients. The clinic was established in January 2006 to provide free acute dental care to uninsured, low-income residents of Johnson County over the age of 18.

The DDF donation will be used for a new delivery system to remedy the limitations imposed by the small size of the clinic’s lab room, a mobile oxygen unit and disposable items such as gowns, masks, gloves and toothbrushes.

“We are proud that our donation to the Partnership will help those needing dental care in Johnson 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 health and well-being of the many people who frequent the clinic.”

According to Jane Blessing, coordinator of the Partnership, a large gap existed for many years in Johnson County for uninsured, low-income adults who couldn’t afford necessary dental care. Establishing the clinic is a first step in responding to the issue to provide dental care to those who were lacking it.

“This community was in dire need of dental services that offer education and free or low-cost supportive services to ensure residents are working towards maintaining not only good dental health, but good overall health,” said Blessing. “Thanks to this generous grant from the Delta Dental Foundation, we can continue to make a difference in Johnson County.”

Volunteer dentists and other professionals currently serving at the clinic include Cynthia Dittman, D.D.S., David H. Wolf, D.D.S., Douglas R. Harty, D.D.S., Marsha Hickey, D.D.S., Bryan A. Seyferth, D.D.S. and Gary V. Taylor, D.D.S. Additional dentists, hygienist and dental assistants are needed to increase the number of clinic dates available to Johnson County residents.

For more information about volunteering at the Johnson County Free Dental Clinic, please call Partnership for a Healthier Johnson County at (317) 346-3768.

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. For more information, visit www.deltadentalin.com/ddf/index.htm.