A $5 million grant from the nation's largest dental insurance provider will help expand oral health care services for vulnerable seniors across San Diego County. Announced at Vista Community Clinic in North County Monday morning, the donation is part of a larger effort by the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation to expand an existing oral health partnership program with community clinics in Southern California.
A survey commissioned by Delta found that 80 percent of older Americans do not go to the dentist as frequently as is recommended and 'access is one of the main barriers,' the company said, adding that 'one in three older adults surveyed ... later said they cannot afford to see a dentist regularly.' Health Quality Partners of Southern California will administer the grant on behalf of the broad range of community clinics that it represents.