The W.K. Kellogg Foundation released today a new online resource center on dental therapy to serve as an educational hub for consumer health advocates, philanthropy, journalists, policymakers, health professionals, parents, students, colleges and universities, and libraries to learn about dental therapy and how it is changing the lives of children, their families and their communities.
"We are excited to share this important wealth of knowledge on dental therapy, curated from the expertise of many grantees and partners who are dedicated to promoting oral health equity for children and families," said Patrick Simpson, director of food, health and well-being with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
This new website offers an extensive library of articles, documents, infographics, interactive tools, interviews, podcasts, social media assets and videos from organizations and experts across the country that showcase the opportunities and benefits of dental therapists to improving oral health.
Oral health is critical to overall health, yet many of America's children cannot get access to dental care where they live and when they need it. Dental therapists are part of a dentist-led team, who provide education, routine preventative and restorative care – including cleanings, fillings and simple extractions under the general supervision of a dentist – freeing the dentist to do the more advanced procedures. As a profession recognized in more than 50 countries, today in the U.S., dental therapists are practicing in Alaska, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, while more tribes and states are considering how dental therapists can provide greater access to dental care in more communities.
Learn more at https://dentaltherapyresourceguide.wkkf.org/.
About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.
The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. Visit www.wkkf.org.
