GLASTONBURY — The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation has granted $389,224 in funds to 16 organizations across the state dedicated to improving oral and overall health among vulnerable populations.
This year’s list of grantees spans the state’s eight counties and reaches nearly 12,450 children, seniors, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and veterans through preventive screenings, direct patient care, mobile clinics, and dental equipment and supplies.
Grants ranged from $5,000 to $75,000 and were given to organizations that included four first-time recipients and returning grantees, including:
- Ädelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services
- Camp Courant Healthy Choices and Habits Program
- CATCH Healthy Smiles (CHS) Connecticut
- Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach
- Connecticut Oral Health Initiative
- Connecticut Science Center
- Cornell Scott-Hill Health Corporation
- Dental Lifeline Network
- Goodwin University
- Hartford Hospital
- Norwalk Hospital Foundation
- SilverSource, Inc.
- Special Olympics Connecticut
- The University of Connecticut Foundation
- United Community and Family Services
- University of New Haven
“We are proud to stand alongside community organizations that share our commitment to building healthier smiles, which starts by ensuring dental care is accessible to as many people as possible,” said Paul Di Maio, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Connecticut. “Nearly 12,450 people across Connecticut will be able to access dental care services and education because of the support our SMILE grants provide to these dedicated organizations.”
Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation’s grant funding is divided into three tiers (SMILE, SMILE Mini, and SMILE Workforce) all of which seek to expand access to dental care for the un/underinsured Nutmeggers through supporting community dental clinics and health centers, dental workforce student scholarships, and dental education programs for children. The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation has supported dental care and education across the state for nearly 40 years.
The Foundation will award its second inaugural SMILE Workforce grants in January 2026. To date, the Foundation has committed more than $3 million to help address the dental assisting and dental hygiene workforce shortage across the state.
