Delta Dental of Missouri donation provides dental care for oncology patients

Thanks to donation funding, at least 17 oncology patients at CoxHealth will be able to have necessary dental work completed before the start of their cancer treatment.

A $5,000 donation, given by Delta Dental of Missouri, and secured by the CoxHealth Foundation, will be used to provide head and neck cancer patients with dental treatment. For patients in this category – which is around 65 at CoxHealth each year – it is very important that necessary dental work takes place prior to the start of radiation. This donation can help ensure those procedures happen for those uninsured patients.

“It’s our privilege to provide a donation that allows CoxHealth to give financial support to those who need vital dental care, as they prepare for their radiation treatment for cancer,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “We’re humbled to help those brave patients get the dental care they need, so their cancer treatment can begin as soon as possible. We wish them all a quick and full recovery.”

Head and neck cancer patients seen at CoxHealth must have a baseline dental evaluation prior to radiation treatment for their cancer. Physicians often recommend dental extractions prior to radiation, as extractions can cause a significantly higher risk of complications in a patient who has received radiation. For patients who do not need extractions, meticulous oral hygiene, regular dental follow-ups and other treatments, including fluoride trays, can help limit the risk of long-term toxicity from radiation treatment.

“At CoxHealth, many of our patients either lack dental insurance or the means to get adequate dental care. Patients who don’t have dental issues taken care of prior to starting radiation increase their risk of infections and teeth deterioration,” said Lisa Alexander, president of the CoxHealth Foundation. “As in all cancer care, delays can impact outcomes. We are thrilled with this gift, and what it will mean for our patients.”

About Delta Dental of Missouri

Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides more than 2.1 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care as well through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.

About CoxHealth Foundation

The CoxHealth Foundation was established in 1998 to carry on the tradition of philanthropy, begun in 1906, by generating current and endowed support for CoxHealth, its hospitals and affiliates, including Cox College. Gifts made to the CoxHealth Foundation support financial grants for patient care, including medications, hospital stays, rehabilitation and home and hospice support. The CoxHealth Foundation also raises funds to ensure the best facilities and technologies are available in its region. As a not-for-profit hospital, CoxHealth offers care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, capturing a large percent of the region’s uninsured patient population. To align with this mission, the CoxHealth Foundation has a focus on meeting the needs of the medically underserved. Additionally, the CoxHealth Foundation also works to promote health professions and raises funds for scholarships to assist in the education of future caregivers. Thanks to its donors, CoxHealth is privileged to provide an accessible, comprehensive range of integrated healthcare services that are responsive to the needs of its patients and community. To learn more, visit www.coxhealthfoundation.com.