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Philanthropy: Grants in Oral Health
Through our grantmaking, we work with partners to catalyze oral health transformation. Together, we are guided by one vision: an oral health system that is just, equitable, and accessible to all.
Funding Oral Health Systems Change
We’re working to shift the conditions that are maintaining the status quo — namely policies, practices, resource flows, relationships, power dynamics, and mental models.
“Oral health systems change” refers to a deliberate effort to significantly improve the overall oral health of a population by modifying the structure and delivery of dental care. That effort often includes initiatives like expanding access to preventive services, integrating oral health into broader medical systems, utilizing technology for early detection, and addressing disparities in access to care, ultimately aiming to achieve better oral health outcomes for everyone.
We drive oral health transformation through grantmaking that creates systemic change and advances health equity in the following categories:
Advancing Federal and State Policies that Strengthen or Protect Access to Dental Care
Approximately 72 million adults in the US (27%) do not have dental insurance. Without dental coverage, individuals are less likely to obtain oral health care, which increases the risk for poor oral health outcomes. Strengthening dental benefits in publicly funded programs is a critical piece of our philanthropic strategy.
Through this funding priority, we invite organizations to explore opportunities to:
- Advance federal health and oral health policy, including, but not limited to, adding a comprehensive dental benefit to Medicare.
- Strengthen or maintain access to dental benefits in state Medicaid programs.
- Meaningfully engage community-driven partners to inform policies that affect their lives.
Engagement of Community Voices, Specifically Underserved Populations
Historically underserved populations, including but not limited, to Black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), those living in rural communities, people with low incomes, and people with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to oral health care. These same voices are often left out of decision-making regarding their local community’s health and health care needs. However, powerful and positive disruption can and does occur when the voices of historically underserved communities are welcomed into spaces where decisions are made.
We believe the inclusion of community voices in driving policy and systems change is critical to achieve oral health equity.
Through this funding priority, we invite organizations to explore opportunities to:
- Meaningfully engage members of the communities they serve to generate solutions to improve their lives.
- Develop solutions to address the health and racial inequities in the oral health system.
- Utilize community organizing to drive systems change.
Expand Access to Safe, Timely, and Effective Person-Centered Care and Promote Health Care Workforce Solutions
Oral health is inextricably linked to overall health, and CareQuest Institute is working to break down the silos of dental care and medical care. Our hope is that testing and refinement of models that incorporate the concepts of evidence-based care, patient-centeredness, value-based care, and a focus on equity will advance innovation in oral health care. CareQuest Institute is particularly interested in opportunities to work in historically underserved areas.
Through this funding priority, we invite organizations to explore opportunities to:
- Test or refine person-centered care models (including medical-dental integration and minimally invasive care).
- Develop solutions addressing the oral health care workforce shortage to advance innovation in oral health care.
- Use a health and racial equity lens when developing solutions to the inequities in the oral health system.
Data and Insights to Advance Oral Health Systems Change
Research is critical to generating a compelling case for change, whether through quantitative evidence or qualitative stories. Through its research-focused grantmaking, CareQuest Institute aims to collaborate with organizations to tell data-informed stories that reveal timely insights and inspire transformation in oral health.
Through this funding priority, we invite organizations that conduct community-based, participatory research to:
- Explore factors that influence oral health inequities for historically underserved populations.
- Conduct population oral health research.
- Assess the efficacy of the integration of oral health care into overall health care.
- Better classify and predict oral health outcomes.
- Evaluate alternative care approaches (e.g., teledentistry or minimally invasive care) to improve patient access.
- Assess the impact of oral health interventions on the total cost of care.
- Evaluate value-based care approaches.
How to Apply for Funding
Learn more about the three-step grant application process, eligibility requirements, and benefits of becoming a grantee.
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Last updated June 30, 2025
Join OPEN
Many grantees are also a part of OPEN, an initiative of CareQuest Institute, a diverse network of individuals and entities taking on America's oral health challenges to provide everyone with an equitable chance to thrive. OPEN members use their unique experiences, knowledge, and skills to lead network activities every year, creating collective energy that is driving large-scale change.
