United Concordia Dental, one of the nation's largest dental insurers, helped provide nearly $1.7 million in free dental care to more than 8,000 children and adults with minimal or no insurance during 2010.
"More than 125 million Americans do not have dental insurance," said Jerome Blum, D.D.S., corporate dental director. "Helping provide free dental care is just one example of our commitment to meeting the dental needs of the underserved."
Since 2002, United Concordia Dental has worked with a variety of community partners each year -- dentists, dental clinics, community organizations and dental hygiene schools -- to bring free dental care to people in need.
In 2010, the national dental insurer held 110 free days of care by partnering with a number of organizations, including parent company, Highmark Inc.; sister subsidiary, Davis Vision; Arizona Dental Foundation; Community College of Baltimore County, Md.; Houston (Texas) Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS); Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, Pa.; San Diego County, California, Share the Care Initiative; and State of Georgia Oral Health Program.
"On behalf of the HDHHS, thank you for supporting Project Saving Smiles (PSS). I appreciate the financial contribution, 'sweat equity' and support United Concordia Dental has given to Houston's indigent second-graders," said Johanna DeYoung, B.S.N., D.D.S., M.P.H., of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services. "By its support of PSS, it is clear that United Concordia Dental supports preventive dentistry. We know prevention trumps treatment."
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