With the recent launch of our new strategic plan, we find ourselves in a moment of reflection—looking forward while celebrating the achievements of the past. Over the last five years, our previous strategic plan guided us through transformative initiatives in workforce development, access to oral health care, and prevention.
From 2021–2025, Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation (DDCOF) committed more than $23M in investments and supported 167 grants and Mission-Related Investments (MRIs) to address systemic challenges and the root causes of oral health disparities. This was a marked shift in our strategy, focusing our efforts on upstream solutions.
Below, we highlight some of the accomplishments achieved during this time, honoring the vision, dedication, and collaboration that made them possible—especially the invaluable contributions of our community partners. As we turn the page to a new chapter, we take pride in the progress we’ve made together in our mission to elevate the well-being of all Coloradans by advancing oral health equity.
Expanding and diversifying dental hygiene programs across the state in partnership with Colorado’s higher education system
While our Workforce Development initiative encompassed various strategies including scholarships and career pathways, DDCOF dedicated nearly $5M in grants to expanding and diversifying dental hygiene programs in Colorado. The impact of this initiative is truly astonishing, more than doubling the number of available seats in dental hygiene programs across the state and helping to ease Colorado’s oral health workforce shortage. Learn more about the accredited dental hygiene programs established at Front Range Community College, Colorado Mountain College, and Pikes Peak State College with these grants by clicking on their respective hyperlinks. Additionally, the number of seats available to students in existing dental hygiene programs at Community College of Denver has been increased.
From left: Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, Dr. Colleen Simpson, president of Front Range Community College, Les Berry and Elease Robbins, family of Dr. Clarence Holmes at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Front Range Community College dental hygiene suite.
Embedding oral health screenings into Universal Preschool programs
DDCOF’s original mission was dedicated to preventing childhood caries, the number one disease faced by our children. The Preventioninitiative continued our efforts to encourage and offer preventive services to our youngest generation.
The Healthy Universal Preschool Collaborative (HUPC) is embedding oral health screenings into Universal Preschool programs across diverse settings, including home, center, and school-based sites. This groundbreaking effort will reach more than 4,700 children statewide, some of whom may have never visited a dentist before. Through partnerships with nonprofits, childcare health consultants, and educators, HUPC empowers local communities with innovative tools, training, and resources. More than 100 Universal Preschool Programs are now integrating dental screenings with the support of more than 75 community partners across urban and rural areas. Looking ahead, the project plans to grow its impact by equipping even more local coordinating organizations and childcare health consultants with resources tailored to meet the 2025 Healthy Development Quality Standards.
Introducing Mission-Related Investments to DDCOF
As the only dedicated oral health funder in Colorado, DDCOF expanded its support beyond grantmaking by introducing mission-related investments (MRIs). The Oral Health Capital Loan Fund provides low-interest loans managed in partnership with the Colorado Enterprise Fund, a locally based Community Development Financial Institution. MRIs can be used to fund oral health-related capital needs of community-based dental providers, services, and clinics, offering organizations access to financial support for their capital needs. Local organizations Kids First Health Care, Tepeyac Community Health Center, and Project Worthmore have benefited from MRIs to better serve their communities.
Pioneering Medical-Dental Integration
Launched in 2014, the Colorado Medical-Dental Integration Project (CO MDI) expanded access to dental services for populations who experienced limited access to dental care by integrating registered dental hygienists into medical care teams. Partner clinics focused on providing care to populations that experience oral health inequities. This model was a pioneer in the nation because of its integration of oral health as a part of general health and well-being. By the end of its course in 2022, the CO MDI project had provided more than 80,000 dental visits within medical settings for patients who otherwise may not receive care due to insurance status, transportation, geography, or socioeconomic status.
Continuing the Journey Toward Oral Health Equity
As we move forward with our new strategic plan, Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to advance oral health equity across the state. The achievements shared reflect the power of partnership, innovative thinking, and a shared commitment to the well-being of all Coloradans. With the lessons of the past as our guide and the support of our community partners, we are inspired to continue fostering systemic change and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to have a healthy mouth.
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