BROOKINGS – The Delta Dental Mobile Program was in Brookings this year for five weeks and provided preventative, restorative and diagnostic dental care to children ages 0-21 years old who did not have access to dentist. 193 children received $199,079 total in dental care for no cost.
“We are so thankful for the partnership that we have with Delta Dental. A $2,500 investment per week from Brookings Area United Way is leveraged to provide the much-needed care in our community. This year, 10 children had missed school, 21 had tooth pain, five visited the ER/hospital and 34 had never seen a dentist. 61% of the children did not have insurance and 65% of families had an income of less than $30,000,” said Heidi Gullickson, executive director of Brookings Area United Way.
With five weeks of dental van this year, there were 597 restorative procedures completed (cavity fillings, crowns, and extractions), 1,357 preventive measures completed (cleanings, sealants, and fluoride), and 524 diagnostic procedures completed (exams and X-rays).
The Brookings Area United Way partners with the Delta Dental Mobile Program through funding, marketing efforts and coordinating the dental appointments.
The Delta Dental Mobile Program will be in Brookings County for 2023 – watch the United Way social media (@sdbauw) for those upcoming dates.
