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    Our Strategic Plan

    Our Strategic Plan

    For many people who experience barriers to care, having access to a dentist is not enough to achieve good oral health. What they need are fair and just opportunities—and all the resources therein—to live their best, healthiest lives, no matter who they are or where they come from.

    We envision a world where everyone has access to high-quality dental care that meets their comfort level and abilities across the lifespan. To make that happen, we’re aligning our grantmaking under the strategic aims below, with oral health equity for people with disabilities as our cornerstone. 

    Our Strategic Aims

    A green tooth with a plus sign next to it. Text below reads "Access to Care."

    We will improve access for people and communities that experience barriers to dental care by: 

    • Expanding the number and type of access points.
    • Funding the development of and equipping safety-net dental clinics.
    Icons of two gears moving together. One is orange and one is gray. Text below reads "Workforce Development."

    We will strengthen the oral health safety net by:

    • Developing and supporting programs that encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in oral health.
    • Establishing and supporting new models of care, such as dental therapy.
    • Developing and supporting programs that train providers in an
      equity-based approach to care.
    • Funding programs that increase the number of providers practicing in underserved areas.
    An icon of a purple graduation cap. Text below reads "Education."

    We will improve oral hygiene habits and increase dental visits for people and communities that experience barriers to dental care by:

    • Advancing campaigns and programs that promote daily oral hygiene habits and regular visits to an oral health professional.
    An icon depiction of two hands shaking. Text below reads "Advocacy."

    We will advocate for policies that improve access to care, education and the oral health safety net by:

    • Collaborating with Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana’s government relations team to realize shared policy goals.
    • Funding programs and initiatives that drive policy change.
    A colorful depiction of the DDF' strategic aims

    The Power of Partnerships

    Empowered people and communities are critical to making creative solutions to systemic challenges possible—and that means supporting work by and for the communities being served. We are committed to continuing and establishing strong two-way relationships with the people and organizations aligned with our aims. If you’re looking for more information about what our formalized strategic plan means for you, email ddf@deltadentalmi.com or visit our General Grant Requests page.  

    bottom-icon-awarenessAction

    Advocating for oral health excellence and equity for those who need it most.

    What We Do

    bottom-icon-educationEducation

    Teaching the importance of good oral health across the lifespan.

    Learn More

     

    bottom-icon-fundingFunding

    Funding the people and programs that make better oral health a reality.

    Grant Opportunities