Hammer has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. The grant funds will be used to purchase electric toothbrushes, power flossers, and anti-cavity rinses to fight germs that cause gum disease help the people we serve, attain good oral health. It will also provide the necessary education, services, and the tools to maintain great smiles!

“Damaging oral habits can be a problem for individuals with developmental disabilities, partnered with limited funds for dental visits per calendar year.” said Cathie Wood, Director of Health Services at Hammer. “The individuals we serve may also have mobility or cognitive challenges, and electric toothbrushes and flossers will help simplify their oral health routine.”

The products and services purchased with the grant include blue tooth enabled toothbrushes will allow us to track the progress of each persons’ daily oral health routine, partnered with regular dental visits and any additional emergency dental work needed.

Hammer declared 2016 the Year of the Smile because we believe each person we serve should have access to the resources to achieve a healthy and bright smile that that comes from consistent daily oral health. The combination of efforts will result in a healthier mouth, to help them to eat well, avoid tooth pain and tooth loss and the confidence to feel good about themselves so they smile more!

For more information on how Hammer helps people with developmental disabilities live life to the fullest, visit hammer.org

About Hammer Residences, Inc. Since opening its doors in 1923, Hammer has helped thousands of adults and children with developmental disabilities experience life to its fullest. Founder Alvina Hammer believed that individuals with disabilities had the right to lead full lives in a loving atmosphere where they would feel secure and develop self-confidence. Hammer was one of only two Minnesota organizations at that time to offer people with disabilities the opportunity to thrive in a school and home setting. Today, Hammer Residences, Inc. provides residential and customized support services, including In-Home Support; Support Planning; Case Management; and Healthcare Coordination (SNBC) to more than 1,400 people throughout the state.

About the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports Delta Dental of Minnesota’s mission of improving the oral health of the people in Minnesota.  The Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports initiatives that promote access to oral health for the underserved, especially in rural areas and for people living with low incomes across the state.