Regence Caring Foundation for Children

Our Programs

In addition to our children's dental care services program, the Regence Caring Foundation also provides education and awareness and establishes provider partnerships.

Children's Dental Care Services

Unlike many organizations that provide infrequent, limited dental services, children enrolled in the Regence Caring Foundation's dental care services program receive full care from dentists their families choose. For many of these children, enrollment in the program enables their very first trip to the dentist, and the program allows them to develop ongoing relationships with dentists and dental hygienists (i.e., a dental home). In fact, the restorative and preventative care and dental hygiene instruction they receive puts these kids on the path to good oral health.

The Regence Caring Foundation partners with organizations and individuals throughout Idaho and Utah, such as Head Start, community health clinics, Women, Infants and Children (WIC ) clinics, school nurses and teachers to identify children in need. These children receive comprehensive services for one full year, with a second year available based on medical necessity.

Education and Awareness

The Regence Caring Foundation has been expanding its preventive activities to protect children from dental distress and disease. These activities include oral health education sealant clinics.

In Utah, workshops are frequently held with our community partner organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Salt Lake. Children receive instruction about nutrition and oral health and hygiene, as well as basic dental supplies.

In Idaho, clinics are conducted in partnership with dental providers and health departments throughout the region. As a result more than 1,300 children received exams and sealants in 2009.

Provider Partnerships

Since 2000, the Regence Caring Foundation and our partner providers have restored the dental health of more than 11,600 children in Idaho and Utah. Another 10,875 children in Idaho have received preventive care through our oral health initiative in that state. This adds up to more than $3.6 million worth of oral health services.

Yet the need for crucial dental care is still larger than we've been able to accommodate—there are thousands of children in our region with documented needs. That's why we're reaching out to our communities and dental care providers for increased funding and in-kind assistance. To become one of our partners, please contact us.