KIDNEY DIALYSIS AND TRANSPLANT PATIENTS AMONG
MISSOURIANS AIDED THROUGH ORAL HEALTH GRANTS

Delta Dental of Missouri’s Funding Helps Thousands Live Better Lives Through Improved
Dental Health and Grant Applications Are Currently Being Accepted

 

COLUMBIA, Mo. (April 3, 2024) … Kidney dialysis patients often face a multitude of oral health problems that affect their quality of life and clinical outcomes, including the dental health clearance needed for placement on the kidney transplant list. Yet, over the last 12 months, 44 Missourians with end-stage renal disease and pre-/post-transplant conditions were able to gain access to crucial dental services – completely free of charge – through the Missouri Kidney Program, thanks to the receipt of a life-changing oral health grant from Delta Dental of Missouri.

Funding received by the Missouri Kidney Program addressed disparities and enhanced dental care accessibility by providing kidney dialysis and transplant patients with a wide range of dental services at no cost to them. This included comprehensive oral evaluations, x-rays, cleanings, periodontal screenings, fillings, dentures, bridges and occlusal guards – all of which have resulted in improved adherence to kidney and diabetic diets, increased the likelihood of being listed for transplant and enhanced ability to consume solid foods.

“I worked with the Missouri Kidney Program for three months, they had to take all of my teeth out,” commented William F., a program participant. “That has healed and now we are working on getting me dentures. This is the only way I could get on the transplant list. I am listed as active now and hope to get a kidney soon. I am thankful for the Missouri Kidney Program. Without them, I would have had to put my car up for sale to afford dental care.”

Laurie Hines, director of the Missouri Kidney Program, echoed the significant impact of its programming stating, “The generous funding from Delta Dental of Missouri enabled the Missouri Kidney Program to offer dental assistance to Missourians on dialysis and preparing for transplant for the first time in our program’s history. Everyone we served through this grant received a full range of dental care. This resulted in people on dialysis being able to eat an appropriate diet again, and people hoping to get listed for transplant completing their required dental evaluation. We encourage any organization with a desire to serve the oral health needs of an at-risk population to partner with Delta Dental of Missouri.”

The state’s leading dental benefits provider and a non-profit organization, Delta Dental of Missouri has provided millions of dollars in support of organizations that align with its mission to improve oral health and help Missourians of all ages access vital dental treatment and educational services. In the last two years alone, the company provided more than $1.7 million in funding to 50 organizations across Missouri – which included $25,000 for the Missouri Kidney Program.

“Our mission is to help people of all ages live better lives through improved dental health,” stated Stacy Harris, supervisor of community outreach at Delta Dental of Missouri. “By donating grants to a variety of organizations—like the Missouri Kidney Program—together we can help connect thousands of people to essential dental resources to enhance their overall health and quality of life.”

Delta Dental of Missouri awards grants for general operations, programs, projects and capacity-building efforts promoting the oral health of individuals in Missouri. Objectives of its grant program include:

• Reducing oral disease through education, prevention and treatment

• Ensuring access to affordable, timely and high-quality dental care

• Enhancing the awareness of good oral health with a focus on children and individuals in need

• Making a measurable difference in the oral health of Missourians

• Helping to ensure that Missouri is among the states with the highest indicators of oral health.

Eligible organizations can visit https://www.deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program to apply for future grants.

About Delta Dental of Missouri

Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides more than 2.19 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.