PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, in partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation, has announced a major grant initiative aimed at improving dental care for children in Providence.

On Tuesday, the two entities began accepting proposals for programs and initiatives focused on expanding and enhancing pediatric dental services in the city. A total of $10 million is available in funding.

The initiative is funded through a legal settlement related to the Route 6/10 Connector project. Grants will range between $250,000 and $3 million, depending on the scope and impact of the proposed programs.

“Whenever this office secures a legal victory, we carefully consider how those outcomes can be turned into meaningful benefits for the people of Rhode Island,” said Attorney General Neronha in a statement.

According to data from the Rhode Island Department of Health, approximately 50% of third-grade students statewide have experienced tooth decay. That percentage is even higher in Providence, underscoring the urgent need for targeted dental care improvements.

With this funding, state officials and local organizations hope to reverse those trends and ensure that more children in the city have access to essential oral health services.