DES MOINES, IOWA (February 19, 2020) — The routines behind developing a healthy smile and better overall health can start with taking two minutes twice a day to brush your teeth. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation made that healthy habit easier for 421,000 Iowans in 2019 by providing a free toothbrush. February is National Children's Dental Health Month, so it's the perfect time to remind Iowans about the importance of educating kids about good dental hygiene habits.
Since 2013, the Foundation has provided more than 2.27 million toothbrushes in all 99 counties in Iowa. Through a variety of events and outreach programs like Rethink Your Drink and I-Smile Silver, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation educates on oral health and encourages developing positive dental habits to help Iowans maintain a healthy smile.
"Putting a toothbrush in the hands of a child is a simple way to help educate about the basics of good dental health," said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. "At Delta Dental, we celebrate the spirit of National Children's Dental Health Month all year long with programs such as our Rethink Your Drink program, which places water-bottle filling-stations in Iowa schools to encourage children to drink more fluoridated water and funding programs that provide dental sealants to children in Iowa schools."
In 2020, Iowa nonprofit organizations may request toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss needed to support oral health programs. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and must include an oral health education component. More information and link to the application can be found on the Delta Dental of Iowa website at https://www.deltadentalia.com/foundation/grants/.
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 1.2 million Iowans. Locally-focused and nationally-networked, Delta Dental of Iowa and its Foundation invest in robust community systems and partnerships. These efforts empower and engage all Iowans to have optimal oral, vision, and overall health. Since 2002, Delta Dental has invested more than $38 million to improve the oral 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 80 million Americans in more than 141,000 employee groups throughout the country. For more information, visit the website at www.deltadentalia.com.
