On this podcast of Michigan Business Beat, Chris Holman checks in with Teri Bataglieri. Teri is Director, Communications, Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy, Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

Delta Dental and its Foundation has a history and culture of corporate philanthropy and 2017 was no different as provided $3 million in financial support to organizations, programs and education institutions across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina that are dedicated to improving the oral and overall health of children and adults.

In Teri's discussion with Chris they discuss how The Delta Dental Foundation has been contributing to our Michigan community in some wonderful ways in the following year including committing $400,000 to Sparrow Hospital. The substantial donation is for Sparrow’s hospital-acquired pneumonia project. Not only did the Foundation help fund clinics and oral health related projects, it also helped fund scholarships and awards for dental students.

Other contributions include:
•Funding to equip Great Lakes Bay Health Centers in Michigan with a handicap accessible mobile dental coach.

•60 scholarships and awards granted to high-performing students who exhibit a passion for dentistry.

•$400,000 committed to Michigan’s Sparrow Hospital to decrease the prevalence of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

•Hosted continuing education seminars attended by 240 dental professionals.

•Granted 54 Ohio schools new bottle filling/water filling stations through the Water’s Cool at School program.

•More than $100,000 provided via Master’s Thesis and Faculty Research grants;

•Provided $20,000 to the Faith Mission Dental Clinic in Ohio to purchase two state-of-the-art chairs, fit specifically for those with disabilities.

•Outfitted the Millis Regional Health Education Center in North Carolina with an oral hygiene display.

•Provided funding for the second annual Mission of Mercy in Indiana which provided dental care to 1,217 people who couldn’t afford or access care.

Since its inception in 1980, the DDF has donated more than $26 million in funding to improve oral health in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.