421,000 Toothbrushes Donated by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation to Iowa Non-Profits in 2019

Posted on February 20, 2020 in Foundation

DES MOINES, IA (February 20, 2020) — The routines behind developing a healthy smile and better overall health can start with taking two minutes twice a day to brush your teeth. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation made that healthy habit easier for 421,000 Iowans in 2019 by providing a free toothbrush. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so it’s the perfect time to remind Iowans about the importance of educating kids about good dental hygiene habits.

Since 2013, the Foundation has provided more than 2.28 million toothbrushes in all 99 counties in Iowa. Through a variety of events and outreach programs like Rethink Your Drink and I-Smile Silver, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation educates on oral health and encourages developing positive dental habits to help Iowans maintain a healthy smile.

“Putting a toothbrush in the hands of a child is a simple way to help educate about the basics of good dental health,” said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “At Delta Dental, we celebrate the spirit of National Children’s Dental Health Month all year long with programs such as our Rethink Your Drink program that places water bottle filling stations in Iowa schools to encourage children to drink more fluoridated water and funding programs that provide dental sealants to children in Iowa schools.”

In 2020, Iowa nonprofit organizations may request toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss needed to support oral health programs. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and must include an oral health education component. More information and link to the application can be found on the Delta Dental of Iowa website at https://www.deltadentalia.com/foundation/grants/.