Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Awards $16.3 Million in Grants, Building on More Than a Decade of Investment in Community Health

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and affiliates, announced $16.3 million in Access to Care Grant funding, continuing a longstanding commitment to partnering with nonprofits that provide essential oral health services to underserved populations. These grants support initiatives across the company's 15-state service area and Washington, D.C., helping expand access to quality, affordable oral health care.

"Meaningful change happens when organizations work together around a shared purpose," said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. "These partnerships support the organizations and providers who are delivering care every day and help build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities by improving access to quality oral health care where it is needed most."

This latest round of funding builds on more than a decade of investment in community health. Since 2011, the Community Care Foundation has provided more than $200 million in funding and support to nonprofit organizations working to improve oral health outcomes, advance health equity and reduce barriers to care throughout its service area.

Through the Access to Care Grants Program, the Community Care Foundation invests in organizations advancing progress across three key focus areas:

• Seniors and Special Populations: Programs that address health disparities and provide care for vulnerable seniors and special needs populations
• Innovative and Preventative Care: Initiatives that advance new technologies and preventative methods to improve dental health outcomes
• Rural Communities: Efforts to enhance dental care services in rural and underserved areas

Beyond grant support, this program helps strengthen local organizations, expand clinical capacity and equip providers with the resources needed to reach more patients. Together, these partnerships create lasting impact that extends well beyond a single grant cycle.

The greatest impact is reflected in the people who gain access to care they might not otherwise receive. For Sosa, support from CommUnityCare Health Centers in Austin, Texas, helped her children receive care that had previously been out of reach.

As a single mother raising a 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter who both had unmet dental needs, she felt anxious about navigating the health care system and was especially concerned about cost. As a result, she delayed seeking treatment for her son for five months, even as he experienced significant dental pain and swollen cheeks. Through a friend whose children also receive care at the clinic, Sosa learned about CommUnityCare Health Centers. Her friend's positive experience encouraged Sosa to seek care there.

Appointments were quickly scheduled and Sosa's children received dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and extractions, as well as a referral for a more complex gum procedure her daughter needed. Her son is scheduled to return to the clinic for additional crown treatment early next year. The care brought immediate relief to her children and gave Sosa peace of mind knowing their dental needs were finally being addressed.

"I don't have the words to express how grateful I am. Without this clinic, I don't know how we would have accessed or afforded the care they needed," Sosa shared. "The staff treated us with kindness and respect from the moment we arrived. I am incredibly thankful for the care and support they provided."

About the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation
The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies, including Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and Delta Dental of New York, Inc. Since 2011, the Community Care Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in funding and support to increase access to quality dental care, oral health education and to advance scientific research across the company's 15-state service area and Washington, D.C. For more information about the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, please visit https://www1.deltadentalins.com/foundation.html

For more information, contact:

Nick Mueller
Corporate Communications
Delta Dental of California and affiliates
[email protected]

Caitlin Schott
Corporate Communications
Delta Dental of California and affiliates
[email protected]

SOURCE Delta Dental Community Care Foundation