While Medicaid renewals are temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), eligibility reviews are soon restarting for all SoonerCare members. As a result, an estimated 300,000 Oklahomans will lose coverage over the next few months. As the date for the Medicaid unwinding approaches, Delta Dental of Oklahoma (DDOK) and its Foundation are available to help Oklahomans access critical oral healthcare resources.

“As the state’s only notfor- profit dental benefits provider, our mission at Delta Dental of Oklahoma is to advance the oral health of all Oklahomans – including those who do not have dental insurance,” said John Gladden, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma.

Delta Dental’s Helpline connects patients with experienced Dental Care Navigators dedicated to assisting low-income, underinsured or uninsured patients. The navigators help guide individuals through dental referral and care systems to connect them to available resources. Delta Dental of Oklahoma also has an Urgent Care Fund available to provide financial assistance to qualifying uninsured patients. Oklahomans in need are encouraged to call the Helpline at (405) 607-4747 to speak to a Dental Care Navigator and determine eligibility for financial assistance.

In addition, the DDOK Foundation maintains the Resource for Dental Care Guide, a comprehensive directory of free and lowcost dental clinics and programs across the state that provide critical services made possible by volunteer dental professionals and donations.