The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) Foundation has awarded $99,000 in grants to three forward-thinking organizations focused on improving access to oral health care and advancing dental benefits administration. The 2025 grantees include Charm Economics, LLC, The Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine (COHN), and Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego.
Brad Peak, Chair of the NADP Foundation Board and a representative of Sun Life U.S., expressed his enthusiasm for the grantees: “The NADP Foundation is pleased to support these projects that address the oral health needs of some of our most vulnerable populations.”
This year, the NADP Foundation refocused its efforts on research and education, with a particular emphasis on oral health care access and dental benefits management. In August 2024, the Foundation issued its first Request for Proposals (RFP), seeking projects that would enhance oral health care delivery, improve dental benefits administration, and educate dental professionals and students.
A panel of three Foundation Board members reviewed 19 proposals, selecting the three that best aligned with the Foundation’s mission and objectives, including their potential for impact, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and methodology.
About the Grant Recipients
Charm Economics, LLC: This organization will create a white paper examining the evolving landscape of dental benefits for retirees. The paper will explore coverage differences before and after Medicare enrollment, and the growing trend of Medicare Advantage plans. It will provide a survey on how seniors meet their oral health needs and propose recommendations for addressing gaps in coverage, particularly for individuals without access to dental benefits.
The Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine (COHN): COHN will launch the “From the First Cavity” initiative, aimed at improving children’s oral health. This project will empower community-based partners to help families manage dental disease. Specifically, Community Health Workers and other non-clinical health staff will collaborate to develop a model supporting parents and caregivers in adopting mouth-healthy habits and managing caries. The initiative will focus on children receiving minimally invasive care in primary care and preschool settings, aiming to prevent further disease progression and reduce future dental interventions.
Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego: This grant will help Rady Children’s Hospital address the oral health needs of children with chronic health conditions. The project aims to reduce barriers to dental care by offering one-on-one family support, training primary care providers to promote early oral health practices, and conducting community outreach on the importance of oral health care. The goal is to improve long-term oral health for children facing economic, linguistic, and transportation barriers.
Mike Adelberg, Foundation President and NADP Executive Director, highlighted the significance of the grants, saying, “We are excited to support these groundbreaking projects that have the potential to make significant strides in improving access to oral healthcare. By investing in research and community-based initiatives, we are fostering innovative solutions that will help bridge gaps in care and enhance the overall well-being of our communities.”
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