October 10, 2025 – Delta Dental Institute announced it will donate $1 million to five organizations through the Delta Dental Future Workforce Fund, aimed at raising public awareness of oral health careers and encouraging schoolchildren to consider a career in dentistry.
James W. Hutchison, President and CEO of the Delta Dental Plan Association, said, “We are honored to announce the third recipients of the Delta Dental Future Workforce Fund, which are dedicated to building a strong future workforce.”
The five funded projects are:
American Dental Export Council – “Pathways to Smiles.” Developed in conjunction with regional health education centers, this interactive, hands-on curriculum is designed to engage students, emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall health, and outlines academic pathways to a dental career.
American Dental Hygienists Association (AHA) – “Inspired by Dental Hygienists.” A clinic recruitment and community outreach program leverages dental hygienists’ expertise and patient relationships to raise awareness of the dental hygienist profession, particularly among underrepresented communities.
Hispanic Dental Association – BOLD (Building Oral Leaders). A pre-dental mentoring program that promotes dentistry as a career choice for underserved minority students by helping identify students interested in health careers through a STEM-focused curriculum and teacher/mentor support.
Mind Dental Mentoring, Inc. (MIND) — MIND Youth Summit. A targeted mentoring and early engagement program that encourages elementary school students and pre-dental students to pursue oral health careers while providing leadership and mentoring opportunities for dental professionals.
American Indian Dentist Association — “Telling Pathways to Dentistry.” This program connects American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) dentists with AI/AN youth to raise awareness of dental careers, provide mentorship and resources, and increase representation in the profession.
Since its inception, the Delta Dental Future Workforce Fund has invested in comprehensive solutions, pilot projects, and scalable models designed to increase public understanding of oral health careers and inspire students to pursue them. The next application window for the fund will open in spring 2026.