The Delta Dental Foundation has created a COVID-19 dental equipment fund to help Midwest safety-net dental clinics buy equipment amid the pandemic, according to ABC affiliate WZZM.
The $400,000 fund will help dental organizations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana purchase dental supplies and equipment necessary during the pandemic. Grant funds may also be used to purchase equipment to support teledentistry.
"Our goal is to ensure the most vulnerable can access dental care when they need it rather than going without or visiting an emergency department," said Holli Seabury, executive director of the foundation. "Hospitals are rapidly approaching capacity fighting COVID-19, making it imperative that we divert patients who should be treated elsewhere."
Eligible applicants include federally qualified health centers, community health departments, school-based dental centers and volunteer clinics, among others. Recipients will be chosen based on need and the population served.