The HDS Foundation provides support to organizations and programs that focus on oral health care programs and improving access to dental care in our Islands.  In 2007, the HDS Foundation disbursed nearly $224,000 to a number of different organizations.

Honolulu Community Action Program – Head Start Oral Health Education Programs

The HDS Foundation supported two education programs for young children through the Head Start Program.  The first program is called “Cavity Free Kids.” HDS was able to take an oral health education program for preschoolers developed by another Delta Dental affiliate¾Washington Dental Service¾and use that same program right here in the Islands. A grant for $24,000 covered the cost to train 100 Head Start leaders to use the program.  These same leaders will in turn train Head Start teachers throughout our state to use this curriculum.  The program underscores the importance of reaching keiki with important oral health messages at an early age.

Our contribution to the other Head Start program on Oahu was earmarked for the development and publication of an oral health book titled, “Brush’um: Tooth Brushing as a Healthy Habit.”  This book provides Oahu Head Start teachers with a tool to enhance ongoing oral health education for low-income preschool children and their families.

Kalihi-Palama Health Center – Dental Suite Equipment

The HDS Foundation presented Kalihi-Palama Health Center’s downtown satellite clinic with $60,000 to purchase dental equipment for a dental suite designated for dental surgery.  This opened the doors for the Kalihi-Palama Health Center team to provide general dental services for low-income and immigrant populations in the area. The Kalihi-Palama area is one of the most underserved areas on Oahu, and the center now sees hundreds of patients each month – people that previously would not have made dental check-ups a priority.

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center – Big Mouth Theater

The HDS Foundation provided funding to the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center to upgrade its Big Mouth Theater exhibit.  HDS will be working in collaboration with the Children’s Discovery Center to update the content for a new video in the Big Mouth Theater and to develop interactive components for an oral health education program for young children. The HDS Foundation made its final payment of a $100,000 commitment to this project earlier this year.

Maui Community College – Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Program

The HDS Foundation contributed $45,000 to help Maui Community College purchase dental equipment for its Maui Oral Health Initiative, which includes a dental assisting program and a dental hygiene program. These programs will greatly support job creation, provide the assistance that dentists on Maui need, and enhance the care that is offered to Valley Isle dental patients.

Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center and Kauai Dental Task Force

HDS extends its care to those on the Garden Island.  The HDS Foundation is partnering with the Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center and the Kauai Dental Task Force and contributed $5,000 to promote oral health education, prevention of oral disease and access to dental care for underserved populations.

Related HDS Foundation

• Grant Application Guidelines