NOAH Receives $30,000 to Provide Oral Health Services to Underserved Children
Delta Dental of Arizona partners with NOAH to reach low income communities
Statistics show tooth decay in children and adolescents is twice as high for underserved families than those from higher incomes due to lack of education about the importance of oral hygiene. Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) received a $30,000 grant from Delta Dental of Arizona to deliver oral health education and screening to uninsured and under-insured children at back-to-school events, community health fairs, and other school activities in low income areas.
“Our priority when children come to NOAH dental clinics is dental education and prevention,” said Lou Sarrosa Wise, DMD, NOAH Dental Director. “Thanks to Delta Dental of Arizona, NOAH’s Smiles Happen project will deliver oral health education and screenings to 4,800 underserved/uninsured children and youth at various events throughout the year, providing them with the ability to thrive physically and academically.”
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, NOAH provides accessible, affordable, and confidential care of individuals and families who have little or no access to basic health care. NOAH Dental Clinics offer a wide-range of oral health services provided by a dedicated team of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and support staff. Services include preventive, emergency and restorative treatment.
“Tooth decay, which is largely preventable, remains one of the most common chronic diseases for children,” said Allan Allford, chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Arizona. “We believe in NOAH’s approach to improve children’s oral heath in Arizona by providing more education to our youth and are proud to support them in their mission.”
About Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH)
Founded in 1997 to bring healthcare to children, the NOAH Bus traveled from school to school, NOAH expanded its services in 2012 and now operates 11 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. NOAH is dedicated to building a healthier community providing comprehensive, quality healthcare with team-based, coordinated care and support for individual and family wellness. The community health center combines family medicine, pediatric care, dental services, behavioral health and prevention with a team of experienced professionals who are committed to high-quality care.
About Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation
Founded in 1997, the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation is the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Arizona, the dental benefits company. Its mission is to improve oral health, particularly for uninsured and underinsured groups and communities. Since 2006, the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation has provided more than $12 million in community benefit support for oral health promotion and dental disease prevention programs across the state. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.deltadentalaz.com/foundation.
