JOHNSTON, IOWA (April 17, 2019) — Focused on its mission of improving the health and smiles of the people it serves, Delta Dental of Iowa, through its Foundation and corporate-giving, distributed $3.1 million across Iowa in 2018. Funding provided supports dental and vision health-programs focused on prevention, education, and improving access to health-care such as Iowa Mission of Mercy, Vision to Learn, KidsEyesight, and Prevent Blindness. Broader support was provided in 2018 to address emotional health, well-being, and active communities such as education on mental-health for health-care professionals at Des Moines University and a walking-trail in the city of Marion. "As an Iowa company rooted in the communities we serve, Delta Dental gives back to Iowans by supporting other nonprofits that have a shared mission," said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. "In 2018, we recognized new opportunities to work toward our overall health mission which included support for mental-health education and community improvements, in addition to our core philanthropic activities surrounding dental and vision-health." Impact in all 99 counties In 2018, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation invested in oral-health programs that benefited Iowans in all 99 counties in the state. The most simple give-back mechanism — putting new toothbrushes in the hands of Iowans — set a new mark this year of 1.86 million toothbrushes being donated in the last six years. The Foundation provided significant support for expansion of school-based dental-sealant programs, which is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent cavities. Since 2013, more than $1 million has been invested to expand services from 27 to 97 counties in Iowa — up almost 260 percent thanks to funding and collaboration efforts. Overall, funding provided by Delta Dental contributed to oral health education programs for children and aging Iowans, loan repayment programs for dentists in underserved communities, supported community-water fluoridation, increased access to dental-care for underserved Iowans, and continued to support nonprofits addressing vision-health. Rethink Your Drink A great example of Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation's impact on Iowans is the Rethink Your Drink program. This is an exciting collaboration with Iowa schools to improve oral and overall health of Iowa children. To date, funds totaling $430,000 have allowed 115 Iowa schools across Iowa to receive water-bottle filling-stations, making it easier for students and staff to stay hydrated throughout the day. Students also receive water-bottles, toothbrushes, and materials that educate on the importance of drinking-water instead of sugary-drinks. For more about Delta Dental's giving in 2018, visit our website to view our 2018 annual report.  Annual report link: https://www.deltadentalia.com/foundation/about/annual-report/ About Delta Dental of Iowa Delta Dental of Iowa, a not-for-profit health and wellness company, provides dental and vision benefits to more than one million Iowans. Locally-focused and nationally-networked, Delta Dental of Iowa invests in oral-health and wellness projects through the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation and community-giving that focus on access to care, prevention, education, and research. Since 2002, Delta Dental has invested more than $38 million to improve the oral health and overall health of Iowans. Delta Dental of Iowa is a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, the leading national network of independent dental-service corporations. The Delta Dental member companies provide dental benefits to more than 78 million Americans in more than 146,000 employee groups throughout the country. For more information, visit the website at www.deltadentalia.com.

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