Foundation Secures $46,000 Grant to Continue Expanding Access to Dental Care Across New York

The New York State Dental Foundation is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $46,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation to support year two of My Healthy Smile NY — a transformative initiative designed to address oral health disparities and connect vulnerable New Yorkers to much-needed care.
 
Launched in 2024 with $10,000 in funding from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation and $40,000 from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, My Healthy Smile NY deployed Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHCs) in four key regions of the state: Long Island, Central New York, the Capital Region, and the North Country. These specially trained oral health professionals serve as patient navigators, outreach specialists, and oral health advocates — working directly within communities to improve access and awareness.
 
The New York State Dental Foundation invested an additional $57,900 in staff time and overhead to ensure the success of My Healthy Smile NY from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, noting that crucial operating support from NYSDA members and corporate partners enabled the program to thrive in year one.

Year One Highlights
 
In its first year, the My Healthy Smile NY program achieved meaningful impact:
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• Coordinated free dental care for veterans through the Salute Vets with a Smile program.
• Facilitated oral health screenings in Glens Falls, Watertown, and Central Islip.
• Supported major initiatives like the Capital Region Community Dental Event, screening dozens of patients and connecting many to care in a single day.
• Laid the groundwork for an Early Head Start Oral Health Prevention Project in the North Country, Central New York, and Long Island.

 
A remarkable 81% of the program’s 246 participants achieved access to a free oral health screening and/or received pro bono care from a dental provider. NYSDA members volunteered an estimated 261 hours to treat veterans and provide screenings or care for participants at community events. These accomplishments represent just the beginning of what’s possible when communities concerned with oral health come together.
 
The program’s strength lies in the commitment and compassion of the CDHCs, who are on the front lines of addressing oral health inequities.

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