Improving the Oral Health of Michigan's Children

In May 2000, Delta Dental expanded its commitment to Michigan communities by teaming up with the Michigan Department of Community Health to help improve the dental health of those in greatest need. With support from the Michigan Dental Association, the public-private partnership developed the Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) program to improve access to dental care for underserved children.

The program, which is available to Medicaid-eligible children in 59 Michigan counties, has over 200,000 enrollees. Nearly 91% of dentists who treat children in those counties participate in HKD.

HKD’s record of success has generated interest across the country. In 2004, the American Dental Association (ADA) named Michigan's HKD program one of five national models for improving access to dental care for low-income populations.