PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation has made a significant contribution to oral health in Eastern Kentucky, donating $2.35 million to the University of Pikeville’s Tanner College of Dental Medicine. This generous gift will support a new pediatric dental clinic and provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in dentistry, aiming to enhance access to oral care in the region.
The $2.35 million donation marks the largest single contribution in the foundation’s history. It underscores the organization’s mission to improve oral health and quality of life for Kentuckians. Delta Dental of Kentucky, the state’s largest dental benefits provider, established the foundation to fund initiatives that benefit oral health across the state.
The newly funded pediatric dental clinic will play a crucial role in Tanner College’s clinical education program. It will not only serve as a training ground for dental students but will also extend much-needed dental care to children throughout Appalachia. The clinic will open in 2026 as part of the college’s expansion, which broke ground in October 2024. Tanner College will become the state’s third dental school and the first in Eastern Kentucky.
Currently, Kentucky ranks poorly in child dental care, sitting at 43rd out of 50 states for overall child dental health. For children ages 0 to 5, the state ranks 48th, highlighting the urgent need for early dental care. The new clinic will address this gap by offering care to children regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, providing an essential service for families who otherwise have limited or no access to dental care.
Brian Hart, vice president and chief revenue officer of Delta Dental of Kentucky, emphasized the importance of the donation: “Pediatric dental care is one of the greatest unmet needs in Eastern Kentucky. By supporting this clinic, we’re removing barriers to care and creating opportunities for future dentists to serve in areas that have lacked consistent care for far too long.”
Dr. Jill Keaton, dean of Tanner College of Dental Medicine, highlighted the clinic’s dual role in both patient care and student training. “This clinic provides students with hands-on experience, allowing them to work directly with patients and acquire the skills they need to serve in rural and underserved communities. At the same time, we’re giving children access to dental care that they might otherwise miss.”
