DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., has donated $100,000 to the Healthfirst Foundation to help expand dental clinic services for low-income children and older adults across New York. This donation supports efforts to make oral healthcare more accessible to vulnerable populations.
The Healthfirst Foundation has used the donation to fund grants for dental educational institutions and professional associations. These funds are aimed at improving community oral health through education, outreach programs, and direct care. Six regional dental associations in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, New York County, Bronx, and the Ninth District will strengthen community programs like back-to-school events, pediatric education, and Give Kids a Smile® initiatives.
Dental schools are also benefiting from the donation. New York University College of Dentistry will use the funds to expand dental outreach to underserved populations, including mobile services through the Smiling Faces, Going Places Dental Van. Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine will enhance its mobile dental unit to reach both children and adults in high-need areas.
David Healy, president of Sun Life U.S., highlighted the importance of preventive care in improving community health. “Preventive care saves lives and reduces future health complications,” he said. He emphasized that the partnership allows DentaQuest to provide direct impact in communities while promoting lifelong oral healthcare access.
This collaboration will increase access to preventive screenings, dental exams, cleanings, and patient education. By supporting dental clinics and mobile units, more residents in underserved communities will be able to receive regular care without traveling long distances or facing financial barriers.
Errol Pierre, Healthfirst Foundation Board Member, explained that the funding will bring care closer to where people live, learn, and work. He said the grants support both dental schools and local associations to ensure sustainable, ongoing dental clinic services.
The Healthfirst Foundation focuses on supporting health and social services for people in New York City and surrounding areas. DentaQuest has been Healthfirst’s dental benefits administrator for over 20 years, serving Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to improving access to dental clinics and oral health services for all residents in need.
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