The Orange County Health Department Dental Clinic received a $4,000 check from the Delta Dental Foundation, last Friday. This money is meant to assist in providing dental care to uninsured children.

Delta Dental of North Carolina CEO Curt Ladig says this money can go a long way.

“This will help serve an additional 100 children per month, in Orange County, receive oral examinations, fluoride varnish, and sealant,” he says. “This would be directed to children who are poor and underserved in our community, that are not receiving dental services.”

Ladig adds the Orange County Health Department’s Dental Clinic was in extreme need of these funds to serve underprivileged children.

“The Orange County Health Department made it known to us that 28 percent of children receiving Medicaid up to age ten, in Orange County, did not receive an annual dental visit in 2013,” he says.

He adds missing these annual visits can increase the risk of tooth decay, which is preventable.

“About a third of the children entering kindergarten today have tooth decay, and left untreated it can cause significant pain and discomfort,” he says. “You can imagine if you have pain and discomfort, you’re not focusing too much on your studies at school.”

That can lead to students missing additional days of class time and falling behind their peers.

Delta Dental has the largest network of dentists in North Carolina to provide these services for children in need.

The non-profit organization will donate $40,000 to oral health organizations and programs statewide.

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