Highlighting Our Impact on Arizonan's Health and Wellbeing
2023, Edition 3
L-R: Nicole Petit, RDH; Sandra Badzak, PCA; Michael Jones, President & CEO, Delta Dental of Arizona; Josefa Pucti, PCA; Susan Dimpfel, RN; and Dr. Nimit Agarwal, MD, FACP
HOPE Program Expands to 28 Hospitals
In October 2021 we signed an agreement with Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix to implement the HOPE program to incorporate oral health protocols in daily treatment plans of senior patients on two floors of the hospital. The program goals are to lower hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and improve medical outcomes of the patients. After nearly a year of implementation, Banner announced it will be expanding the program to all 28 of their hospitals in six states.
The Delta Dental Institute released the 2022 Community Impact Report highlighting the philanthropic investments made in the last year to support the oral and overall health of communities across the country. According to the report, Delta Dental of Arizona contributed $1,495,967, positively impacting more than 295,125 people.
Barb Kozuh, DDAZ Foundation Executive Director (L) with Northern AZ Dental Days volunteers Sandi Perez, Heather Williams, Jan Christianson, Kim Rowell, Dr. Patricia Wilcox.
Grantee Spotlight
On July 14-15, Northern Arizona Dental Days was held at North Country Healthcare in Flagstaff. The event was a collaborative, volunteer-based effort to provide no-cost, preventive and restorative dental care to underserved and vulnerable adults in Coconino County. The event is designed to work with patients to provide access to oral health education and a dental home to ultimately improve their quality of life.
Jeanette Watte is the Director of Customer Service for Delta Dental of Arizona and has been with the organization for eight years. Watte’s personal mission statement is to give to people who are less fortunate than herself, to spend quality time with those she loves and to live each day to the fullest. She fulfills her mission, not only in her work, but through her volunteer efforts. She participated in CEO Serve Day at St. Vincent de Paul, Arizona Dental Foundation’s Oral Cancer Walk, as well as this years’ Salad and Go event at St. Vincent de Paul. After a wonderful and impactful career, Jeanette will be retiring on August 18. We are so grateful for her commitment to Delta Dental and helping create a better path to health and wellness in our communities!
Board Member Spotlight
Dr. Laila Hishaw is a change agent for children’s oral health and diversity in dentistry. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and International College of Dentists. In addition to being the owner of a private-practice, Dr. Hishaw is also an Amazon bestselling author, a featured speaker and founder of the Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships Inc. nonprofit.
TRUE or FALSE?As you get older, all your teeth will eventually fall out.
Answer: False! Your teeth are not doomed to fall out as you age. As a matter of fact, if you take good care of your teeth throughout your life - which includes regular visits to your dentist as well as daily brushing and flossing - your pearly whites will age gracefully along with you.
