About Us

The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation was formed in March 2008 by Delta Dental of Illinois, a not-for-profit dental service corporation with a mission to improve the overall health and well-being of people in Illinois through education and access to quality healthcare. The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois.

Why children's oral health? 

Childhood is the time when good oral health habits and lessons should begin. We believe oral health education and awareness are key to helping establish a lifetime of oral health. Of course, access to care is vital as well. Tooth decay is largely preventable, but it is the leading chronic infectious disease among children in the United States. Tooth decay not only can cause pain, but also can interfere with a child’s ability to eat, speak, smile and concentrate. Tooth decay has the potential to affect a child’s overall health. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22.7 percent of two to five year olds have had cavities, and 55.7 percent of six to eight year olds have had cavities. Around 52 percent of third grade children in the state had caries experience, suggesting that tooth decay is still a significant public health problem affecting Illinois children. 

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation's goal is to educate children and their caregivers as well as the dental community about the benefits of preventive care, starting at an early age and continuing into adulthood.