An open letter from the Delta Dental Plans Association Chair of the Board of Directors and the President & CEO

June 18, 2020

The compounding public health, economic, and social injustice crises that have unfolded have reached a tipping point. This is a pivotal moment and we join together to reflect on these events and underscore what Delta Dental stands for.

We honor the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, among countless others that were unjustly lost. These tragic deaths have sparked calls for change to end racism, injustice, and inequity. We stand united in helping to create that change.

The acute awareness of health care disparities in our country that has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for our health care community to join together and address these disparities more urgent than ever before. For over 65 years, Delta Dental has been committed to improving the oral health of the communities where we live and serve.  When distilled down to its most simple form our purpose is a powerful reminder that what we stand for is built on the backbone of inclusion: we believe everyone deserves access to oral health care for optimal overall health.

We demonstrate this commitment through relevant and impactful action. Year after year, Delta Dental invests in hundreds of community programs focused specifically on improving oral health equity, and we are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our communities to fulfill our mission now and in the future.

We will stand for what is right and we will hold ourselves and our actions accountable. We hope the health care industry will join us and stand united in working toward greater equality for all people. 

With hope for the future,