Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $15,000 to Esperança’s “Learning with a Smile Program” that takes place in Head Start programs and the Washington and Osborn elementary school districts, among others.
In addition, Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation has donated $1,196 in dental supplies to provide patients with “smile bags,” which contain a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
“Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation is a long-standing partner with Esperança,” said James Hoyt, president and CEO of Esperança, located at 1911 W. Earll Drive. “Our goal is to prevent poor oral health that can lead to a host of other health problems experienced later in life.”
The Learning with a Smile Program allows Esperança health educators to provide oral health education to children and adults from low-income, primarily Spanish-speaking communities. These individuals reside at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level and are typically un- or under-insured. Esperança also provides referrals for free or low-cost dental care in conjunction with its partnering dental clinics.
To learn more about the grant or the Learning with a Smile Program, contact Maria Valenzuela, Phoenix program director, at 602-252-7772.
