Lansing - The Delta Dental Foundation recently awarded the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) with a $60,000 grant to assist with the purchase of community water fluoridation equipment.

The grant will help provide new fluoridation equipment to communities without systems in place, as well as replacement equipment to promote continuation of fluoridation programs already established across Michigan.

"Delta Dental continues to be an invaluable partner of the MDCH as we work to improve the oral health of Michigan residents," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH director. "This generous gift will help support our Fluoridation Equipment Grants, which are used to initiate or continue community fluoridation by making funds available to purchase new or replacement equipment. This is an important initiative as community water fluoridation is still considered one of the best public health measures to reduce dental decay."

Delta Dental has provided grants for oral health projects to the MDCH in the past, including partnering with the department on a public service campaign to educate the public about the importance of oral health and providing support for the Varnish! Michigan program.

About Delta Dental Foundation

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980 that serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. The Foundation's goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science, and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs. The DDF is one of the leading foundations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana dedicated to oral health, providing grants totaling nearly $1 million annually. For more information, visit www.deltadentalmi.com/ddf.