WesternU College of Dental Medicine receives $300,000 grant from Delta Dental Community Care Foundation

Western University of Health Sciences' College of Dental Medicine (CDM) received a $300,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and affiliates, to support direct patient care services and to purchase equipment for CDM's educational programs.

CDM has collectively received more than $2.1 million from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, including a $1 million grant for student scholarships, since 2017.

"We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation for WesternU Health Oral Diagnostics and Comprehensive Care," said WesternU College of Dental Medicine Dean Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS. "At WesternU CDM, we are honored to enhance access to oral health care for our community, particularly for those who are most in need and who would otherwise lack basic care."

This grant funding will help to partially cover the costs of care for patients with no or minimal third-party dental insurance.

"We're helping to alleviate the access to care issue," said CDM Assistant Dean of Patient Care Services Suzanne Adolphson, MSW, MHA. "This grant provides coverage for procedures not covered by Medi-Cal, such as crowns, partial dentures, and advanced oral surgery procedures."

The patient pays half the cost, which invests them in the treatment, Adolphson said. In addition, this allows CDM to utilize the grant funding to benefit more patients.

"At Delta Dental of California and affiliates, we are deeply committed to our purpose of improving health by providing access to quality care. Supporting WesternU College of Dental Medicine through the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation not only helps individuals in the community receive the care they need, but also invests in the future generation of dentists who will carry this important work forward," said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. "We know that the gateway to overall health and wellness begins in the mouth. By empowering both current and future dental professionals to serve those most in need, we're helping to bridge critical gaps in care. It's not just about treatment today; it's about creating a healthier tomorrow. We are proud to stand alongside WesternU to make a lasting impact in our communities and beyond."