Hundreds of thousands of Virginians are in desperate need of dental care but have nowhere to turn.  Without access to care, many go without treatment, suffering from chronic pain, putting themselves at risk of systemic infections and tooth loss, and experiencing difficulties with swallowing and talking.

The Virginia Health Care Foundation is committed to increasing access to dental care for uninsured and underserved Virginians.

	VHCF dental grants totaling more than $5 million have helped establish 35 new dental safety net programs, resulting in more than 100,000 dental patient visits.
	In 2007 alone, VHCF grants provided 42,825 dental care valued at $2.6 million.
	VHCF's partnership with Patterson Dental-Richmond enables providers within the dental safety net to receive a substantial discount on dental equipment and supplies.
	VHCF's Tooth Talk gives dental providers an opportunity to share best practices and brainstorm about effective ways to grow and strengthen the dental safety net in Virginia.
	The VCHF directory of dental safety net providers is the only comprehensive resource available to help Virginians find local dental safety net providers.
	VHCF's Dental Opportunities Coordinator (funded thanks to a generous grant from Delta Dental of Virginia) helps Virginia's dental safety net providers address some of the challenges and concerns related to providing dental care to underserved and uninsured Virginians.
	VHCF, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Virginia Dental Association and Virginians for Improving Access to Dental Care, has effected significant policy change to improve access to dental care for children in Virginia.

	There are clear links between chronic oral infections and other health problems including diabetes, heart disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
	People with periodontal disease are 1.5-to-2 times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and nearly three times more likely to suffer a stroke.
	Even though dental caries (tooth decay) is largely preventable, it remains the most common chronic disease of children aged 5 to 17 years — four times more common than asthma.
	For every child without medical insurance there are 2.6 children without dental insurance.
	Dental disease results in 250,000 lost school hours each year.
	Chronic oral infections can foster the development of clogged arteries and blood clots.
	Periodontitis can make diabetes worse.  Diabetic patients with severe periodontitis have greater difficulty maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
	A thorough oral examination can detect tooth decay as well as signs of nutritional deficiencies, systemic diseases, immune disorders, injuries and some cancers.
	Oral health is integral to general health.

Sources: "Oral Health in America," U.S. Surgeon General's Report (2000);  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010, vol II. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: US Gov Printing Office, 2002:21-11 to 21-15