Delta Dental invests $131 million to strengthen oral health care nationwide, reaching 24 million people, including North Carolina

June 4, 2026 – North Carolina – Today, Delta Dental released its 2025 Community Impact Report, which shows how $131 million in investments helped expand access to oral health care for more than 24 million people across 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

In 2025, Delta Dental focused its community investments on expanding access to care, strengthening the oral health workforce, and advancing more connected, whole-person health models that integrate oral health and overall care delivery.

These efforts build on Delta Dental's long-standing commitment to community impact. Over the past 16 years, we have invested more than $2.4 billion to help improve oral and overall health care outcomes nationwide, reinforcing our role as the nation's largest oral health philanthropist.

Since 2011, Delta Dental of North Carolina has awarded more than $2.1 million, impacting non-profit organizations in 83 of of 100 counties across the state, through programs and initiatives for adults and children focused on oral health services, oral health education, and by providing dental equipment and supplies. Grantees include Advance Community Health, Guilford County DHHS, High Country Community Health, The Poe Center for Health Education, Blue Ridge Mountains Health Project, Inc., Carteret County Health Department and Smiles for Veteran’s, to name a few.

“Good oral health is paramount in maintaining overall health and wellness. And routine, preventive dental visits are one way to achieve good oral health. When we can work with local non-profits to facilitate more affordable access to essential oral health services and opening up more pathways to oral health care, then people will get the care they need, thus leading to healthier and more vibrant communities across our great state.” – Curt Ladig, President & CEO, Delta Dental of North Carolina.

Improving health outcomes by connecting more people to care

In 2025, Delta Dental investments supported more than 24 million people nationwide, expanding access to preventive and routine dental care while prioritizing populations that often face the greatest barriers to care, including children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

  • Children and adolescents: 10 million+ supported
  • Older adults: 73,000+ served
  • Individuals with disabilities: 67,000+ reached
  • Veterans: 36,000+ connected to care
  • General population: 13 million+ impacted

Key 2025 report highlights:

  • More than $66 million invested in direct oral care, supporting preventive and routine services where care gaps are greatest
  • Over $38 million invested in capital improvements at clinics and colleges and universities to strengthen care delivery and training infrastructure
  • Nearly $23 million invested in dental workforce initiatives, including scholarships, training, loan repayment programs, and career pathways to expand access long term
  • More than 38,000 employee volunteer hours dedicated to community service, extending impact of investments through hands-on engagement
  • Nearly 1.5 million free or lowcost dental screenings or exams delivered to help identify needs earlier and connect people to care
  • One million oral health kits distributed, supporting daily preventive care in communities nationwide

The 2025 Community Impact Report includes national and state-by-state highlights, as well as examples of local partnerships and programs that are expanding access to prevention, treatment, and education.

Read the full 2025 Community Impact Report: https://www.deltadental.com/cir/

About Delta Dental Plans Association

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest dental benefits provider and offers the country's largest dental network with approximately 151,000 participating dentists. Over the last 16 years, Delta Dental companies and their foundations invested over $2.4 billion to improve the oral and overall health of our communities.

About Delta Dental of North Carolina

For 55 years, Delta Dental of North Carolina has championed healthy smiles across the state as North Carolina’s leading dental insurer. A member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, DDNC is part of the largest dental insurance network in the nation, covering more than 80 million Americans. DDNC is pleased to provide both dental and vision insurance to businesses as part of their employee benefits, and directly to individuals and families. Our mission is to improve the oral health and the overall well-being of the communities we serve. By North Carolinians. For North Carolinians. Learn more about Delta Dental of North Carolina at www.deltadentalnc.com.

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