Delta Dental Oral Health Center – Hennepin Healthcare
Delta Dental of Minnesota’s mission is to improve the overall health of communities through oral health. Its Social Responsibility initiatives support this mission with a focus on equity, oral health, and overall health in collaboration with organizations working across the state. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation has been partnering with Hennepin Healthcare since 2009.
In 2016 Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation awarded Hennepin Healthcare a $4.6 million grant to help fund a new Oral Health Center to address unmet needs.
The Delta Dental Oral Health Center is a hospital-based dental clinic, owned and operated by Hennepin Healthcare and serving patients from around the state. With over 20,000 visits per year, the clinic provides access to oral healthcare for a highly diverse population from all races, ethnic groups and financial backgrounds. More than 85% of patients served are uninsured or are enrolled in public programs.
Barb is the mother of Murray, a patient at the new Delta Dental Oral Health Center. She describes her experience at the new clinic, “Murray lives in a group home, and I take him to Hennepin Healthcare every six months for dental cleanings. In uncertain situations, Murray acts defensively, and dentists have had a hard time adequately performing exams. At first, Murray was leery about visiting and brought a stuffed animal, but now he knows what to expect and trusts the staff.”
Periodically, Murray is put under general anesthesia for a day-long procedure to clean his teeth, have x-rays and any necessary fillings or extractions.
“I can’t thank the doctors enough for their excellent care; I don’t know what condition his mouth would be in without their expertise. The new clinic that was built with support from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is an amazing building with lots of open windows and feels like a regular dental office.”
“Every doctor or dentist that has worked with Murray is top notch and treats my son with respect. He feels really comfortable around them and has been doing better about brushing his teeth.” Barb said, “I feel so grateful that Hennepin Healthcare’s dental clinic exists; they are the best kept secret in Minnesota.”
Delta Dental’s involvement with Hennepin Healthcare is part of several other strategic community investments to improve oral health across the state. Recognizing the statewide need to make quality dental care more accessible, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports and partners with over 100 communities throughout the Twin Cities and in greater Minnesota to tackle barriers to access quality dental care.