It's Delta Dental of North Carolina's mission to improve the oral health and overall well-being of the communities we serve. That includes supporting our state's future dentists and dental hygienists as well as the programs within their schools. Here is a little insight into how we go about collaborating with dental universities and community colleges across North Carolina.
Why Dental Schools Matter.
Dental schools play a critical role in shaping future dentists and providing community care through student clinics.
There is a strong connection between oral health and overall well-being, making dentists and oral health care professionals essential in supporting healthy communities. When dental schools receive the resources and support they need, they are able to educate more future dental professionals— enabling these institutions to make an even greater positive impact on the communities they serve.
Dental schools are leaders in advancing education and research in oral health. Their commitment not only propels the next generation of skilled dental professionals, but also directly benefits the public by broadening access to comprehensive and preventive oral health services. Through student clinics, outreach initiatives, and innovative research, dental schools address health disparities and raise the standard of care for all. Their efforts help ensure that quality oral health care reaches those who need it most, driving long-term improvements in overall community well-being.
How We Support Them.
Delta Dental of North Carolina supports dental schools through a holistic approach designed to foster meaningful, long-lasting impact for students, patients, and the broader community. Our commitment takes shape in three distinct ways:
.png?width=1280&height=180&name=How%20we%20support%20them%20(1).png)
1. Financial Grants for Program Support:
We provide targeted financial grants to help fund specific dental school programs, with particular emphasis on those that expand access to care for underserved populations. These grants power charitable initiatives such as free clinics, outreach events, and community-based programs, ensuring that critical dental services reach individuals who need them most.
2. Scholarships for Aspiring Dental Professionals:
To make the path to a dental career more attainable, Delta Dental of North Carolina awards scholarships to students pursuing degrees in dental hygiene, dental assisting, and dentistry. These scholarships alleviate the financial burden of tuition and related expenses, enabling talented students from all backgrounds to focus on their education, clinical training, and service to the community.
3. Funding for Innovation and Research:
We invest in the future of oral health by supporting dental schools’ innovation and research initiatives. These investments allow institutions to explore new treatment methods, advance preventative care models, and address complex healthcare challenges. Our support fuels academic excellence and positions North Carolina’s dental schools as leaders in groundbreaking research, ultimately driving advancements that benefit patients everywhere.
Through these avenues, Delta Dental of North Carolina empowers dental schools to educate the next generation of oral health professionals, extend vital care to those in need, and lead progress in the field of dentistry.
The Real Impact.
Delta Dental’s support for North Carolina’s dental schools transforms lives—both for the students who pursue their dreams in the dental field and for the patients whose lives are meaningfully changed through increased access to care.
Since establishing the Delta Dental Excellence Scholarship at Wake Technical Community College in 2017, our commitment has helped 22 exceptional students advance their education in Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting, thanks in part to nearly $36,000 in total giving for scholarships and college initiatives.
Delta Dental is also honored to fund the Guilford Technical Community College Foundation, specifically supporting the Dental Sciences Programs. Our contributions provide scholarships for students pursuing dental assisting and dental hygiene, helping them overcome financial barriers and excel in their fields. This partnership fuels student success while strengthening the pipeline of skilled dental professionals in our communities.
Beyond scholarships, our investments create real change in the community. Through programs like East Carolina University Smiles for Veterans, over 300 veterans have received essential dental care—valued at nearly $165,000—during dedicated care days. These efforts are amplified by our veteran patient care fund, reaching even more North Carolinians who have served.
Delta Dental’s impact also extends to hands-on learning and professional development. Our funding supported three UNC Chapel Hill dental students, empowering them to participate in summer fellowships, gain valuable work-based experience, and cover expenses like internship travel and Dental Admissions Test fees.
Delta Dental is proud to support the Delta Dental Oral Oncology Fellowship Fund at High Point University, which equips dental professionals to care for patients facing cancer. This fellowship fosters advanced training and research, helping address the unique oral health needs of oncology patients. Our investment ensures compassionate, specialized care is available when it matters most.
These numbers represent more than just dollars— they reflect lives changed, care expanded, and a future built on opportunity, compassion, and healthier communities. Every scholarship, program, and care day tells the story of an individual made stronger by the power of support and of patients who received treatment that truly made a difference.
Looking Forward.
As we look to the future, Delta Dental of North Carolina remains steadfast in our mission to advance oral health and support the education of tomorrow’s dental professionals. We are committed to growing our partnerships, expanding grant opportunities, and supporting innovative programs that strengthen our communities across the state. We encourage dental schools to explore our funding initiatives and invite all readers to learn more about our ongoing work. Together, we can create healthier tomorrows— one smile, one student, and one community at a time.
Thank you for being part of this important journey.