YSU Dental Hygiene Program Receives Delta Dental Grant for New Equipment

The Youngstown State University Dr. Madeleine Dental Hygiene Program has received a $53,988.25 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF). The grant, submitted by Diane Kandray, dental hygiene program professor, helped to upgrade essential dental equipment that had become outdated or damaged, not meeting current technology standards.

The DDF is dedicated to developing and enhancing partnerships and programs to improve health equity in oral and overall health in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and North Carolina. The DDF prioritizes funding that aligns with their strategic plan, including initiatives that strengthen and diversify the oral health safety net, with a focus on developing programs that recruit providers from diverse backgrounds and establishing innovative care models.

The funding will support the purchase of vital equipment, including two digital x-ray sensors, two DXTTR training manikins and a NOMAD handheld x-ray unit. This equipment will not only enhance the educational experience for students but will also improve the quality of care provided to the community.

The DDF evaluates grant applications based on their alignment with strategic objectives, the communities they serve and the sustainability of the programs. They are particularly interested in initiatives that address the needs of people and communities that experience historic or systemic barriers to care, especially individuals with disabilities.

As the YSU Dr. Madeleine Dental Hygiene Program continues to implement these enhancements, the institution remains committed to measuring the impact of this grant. By assessing outcomes and processes, YSU aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the new equipment will improve oral health equity in the region.

For further inquiries, please contact Diane Kandray at dpkandray@ysu.edu.