Horizon grants focus on oral health

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The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is offering $500,000 in grants for a two-year pilot program to improve oral health and awareness.The program includes funding to support professional development for health care providers and promote best practices in 10 New Jersey counties where dental health needs among children are acute, according to a statement from the foundation. Funding is available for nonprofit organizations.

“The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is focused on improving the health of
New Jersey residents and our Kids’ Oral Health Program initiative is going to help improve oral health for young New Jerseyans with a higher level of risk. Cavities and dental decay are among the most common, most preventable and most treatable chronic conditions for kids in the United States. The rate of untreated tooth decay in children and teens from lower-income households is twice that of higher income families. Early education and intervention can change this and that’s what this grant program is all about,” said Robert Marino, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey chairman and CEO and Horizon Foundation chairman.

Horizon said that Hispanic/Latino and black children are about twice as likely as white children to have untreated tooth decay in primary teeth. In addition, because of hectic schedules, low-income caregivers often find it difficult to fit in routine dental appointments for themselves or their children or they fail to understand the importance of maintaining regular preventive dental appointments.

“The Kids’ Oral Health Program is a great opportunity to help dental professionals serve and help kids most in need. Most oral health diseases can be prevented, but many young people suffer pain and disability because of poor nutrition and lack of access to dentists,” said state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May Court House), who is also a practicing dentist with offices in Pleasantville. “These grants will help to educate families about the importance of oral health and treat more children.”  

“The New Jersey Dental Association, representing nearly two-thirds of New Jersey dentists, proudly supports the Kids’ Oral Health Program and its objectives to better educate children, their parents and health care practitioners on the importance of good oral health. Dental disease is the most common childhood disease in America, yet is largely preventable. Routine dental hygiene, regular dental visits, fluoride treatments and dental health awareness are critical factors for healthier children. We look forward to working with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey in improving oral health in our state,” said Dr. Gregory LaMorte, president of the New Jersey Dental Association.