Delta Dental Foundation Awards 2026 Smiles for Kids Grants to 44 N.C. Nonprofits

Program expands into 13 new counties, growing access to oral health care for children statewide

RALEIGH, NC: The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of North Carolina (DDNC), today announced the recipients of its 2026 Smiles for Kids grants. This year, the Foundation awarded a record $160,000 in grants to 44 nonprofit organizations, extending the program’s reach into 13 new N.C. counties and expanding access to oral health care, education and prevention services for children in underserved communities.

Through Smiles for Kids, DDNC awards each selected organization up to $5,000 to support community-based initiatives addressing children’s oral health needs, including preventive care and education, and efforts to reduce barriers to treatment.

“The growth of Smiles for Kids in 2026 reflects both the increased need across our state and the depth of local nonprofits working directly with children and families,” said Curt Ladig, president and chief executive officer of DDNC. “By reaching 13 new counties this year, we’re able to support more communities and help more children build healthy habits that last a lifetime.”

Since its launch in 2011, the Smiles for Kids program has invested more than $1 million in more than 200 nonprofit organizations across 70 counties and has helped increase access to oral health care for nearly 600,000 children in North Carolina. The 2026 grants further the Foundation’s commitment to reducing oral health disparities and ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a healthy smile - no matter where they live.

To view the full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit: http://www.deltadentalnc.com/smilesforkids

About Delta Dental Foundation

The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The DDF is dedicated to developing and enhancing partnerships and programs to improve oral and overall health and health equity. For more information, visit www.deltadental.foundation.

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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