(Charlotte, NC – May 10, 2017) - America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation received a recent grant totaling $27,686 from the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation to engage students throughout the state in children’s oral health initiatives. This contribution will support youth engagement in a variety of oral health education programs in largely underserved communities.

According to Making Smiles Happen: 2016 Oral Health Study of Kentucky’s Youth, nearly 1 in 5 third and sixth grade students in Eastern Kentucky is in need of urgent dental care, and 2 in 5 have untreated cavities. Of these students, those who are eligible for free or reduced lunch are more likely to have recently experienced a toothache, have visited a dentist more than a year ago, or have untreated tooth decay. At 53 percent, Eastern Kentucky has the highest percentage of screened children in the state with treated or untreated decay.

America’s ToothFairy believes young people can be instrumental in solving the issues they face and can become a powerful force in driving change. The oral health promotion programs sponsored by the grant from the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation will focus the efforts of Kentucky’s youth on making a positive impact on oral health in their communities.

These programs will engage student leaders and provide oral health education for migrant children through an ongoing partnership with the Southern Kentucky Migrant Education Program. Additionally, the grant will fund a statewide youth grant competition for high school student groups.

“The Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation supports initiatives that bring positive change to children and communities in need of quality oral health education,” said Tammy York Day, Chief Operating Officer of Delta Dental of Kentucky. “We are proud to support America’s ToothFairy youth engagement programs giving underserved children in our state the vital education and resources they need.”

“With support from the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation, students and youth across the state will have increased opportunities to learn about oral health and lead educational initiatives in their communities,” said Jill Malmgren, Executive Director of America’s ToothFairy. “We are very grateful to Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation for their continued commitment to children’s oral health initiatives.”

About Delta Dental of Kentucky and Making Smiles Happen®
Delta Dental of Kentucky is committed to bright smiles and healthy lifestyles for its 700,000 enrollees and the communities we serve. Delta Dental of Kentucky is part of a family of companies that collectively are among the largest, most experienced dental plan administrators in the nation. Our network of providers gives our customers access to high-quality, affordable dental care.

Making Smiles Happen® is Delta Dental of Kentucky’s promise to serve our communities and residents one smile at a time. Aimed with the task of promoting oral health to the citizens of Kentucky, this initiative supports many non-profit partners. Giving back is a core component of our culture at Delta Dental, and Making Smiles Happen enables this support to be given to organizations that champion a better quality of life for citizens throughout the Commonwealth.

About America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation
As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) increases access to oral health care by supporting non-profit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children. Since its inception in 2006, America’s ToothFairy has distributed more than $17 million in donated products, educational materials and financial grants to improve oral health outcomes for children and youth in need. For more information, visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org.