The grant recently allowed a Guthrie resident and squamous cell carcinoma patient to receive the extractions required to continue receiving lifesaving chemotherapy and radiation treatments. HNC Living Foundation expects the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation grant to provide dental care to approximately 100 head and neck cancer patients in Oklahoma.

“The mission of Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation is to improve the oral health of all Oklahomans,” said Terrisa Singleton, director of the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. “We are pleased to support HNC Living Foundation’s efforts to procure necessary dental services for cancer patients, especially in a difficult time in their lives.”

Each year, more than 65,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck cancer for the first time. Most head and neck cancer patients begin their journey with dental care because treatment involves radiation, which impacts a patient’s ability to talk, eat, chew and do other daily functions related to oral health.

HNC Living Foundation works with organizations like D-Dent to identify head and neck cancer patients who need dental work done before receiving cancer treatments. Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation’s grant covers the cost for treatment and the transportation required to receive it. These groups collaborate with additional partners like the OU College of Dentistry to ensure patients receive the dental care they need.

For more information about DDOK Foundation’s 2021 grantees, please visit DDOKFoundation.org.