CONTACT: Jessica Gregoire Lavin, Director of Development & Communications
PHONE: 561-853-1638
BOYNTON BEACH, FL – The Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, Florida’s largest free clinic, has received a grant of $140,000 from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation to enhance its free dental services. The award comes at a crucial time when Caridad has seen its roster of volunteer dentists shrink as a result of COVID-19 concerns. As a result, preventive care has suffered, leaving Caridad to prioritize dental emergencies and has had to pay for dentists to provide services part time.
Caridad provides comprehensive medical, vision and dental care to some 4,500 uninsured and underserved children and families through a network of volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses and dental hygienists, but has seen a steep decline in volunteers, especially among dentists, many of whom are older and retired and, therefore, concerned about their own health and that of their families.
“We are proud to partner with Caridad Center to improve the oral health of those they serve within the community,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of Foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California. “The partnership helps us achieve our broader mutual goals of increasing access to oral health care across a variety of groups in need.”
About the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation
The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation partners with local communities to increase access to care, support dental education and fund research that advances the oral health field. Since 2011, the Foundation has awarded more than $60 million across 15 states and the District of Columbia. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies, including Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and Delta Dental of New York, Inc.
About Caridad Center
Caridad Center, located in Boynton Beach, is the largest free clinic in Florida. It offers comprehensive medical, vision, and dental care for the uninsured and underserved children and families of Palm Beach County. Some 171 volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, and dental hygienists annually provide free services to some 4,500 poor, uninsured, and underserved individuals and families as well as healthcare education, and outreach services. Visit www.caridad.org for more information.