DDNJ and Diabetes Foundation Work to Improve Education & Resources on Diabetes Impact on Oral Health

PARSIPPANY & MAHWAH, NJ – December 6, 2023 –Delta Dental of New Jersey and Mahwah, NJ-based organization, Diabetes Foundation, are educating New Jerseyans on the connection between oral health and overall health.

According to the American Diabetes Association®, approximately 43.6% of New Jersey’s adult population has prediabetes or diagnosed diabetes, and 207,000 people are unaware they have it.  

“When Delta Dental and other amazing organizations collaborate with the Diabetes Foundation, it elevates the holistic conversation about diabetes, from what it means to why you should get tested to monitoring blood sugar levels,” said Ginine Cilenti, executive director at Diabetes Foundation. “Diabetes management is a learning process and educating individuals living with or at risk of diabetes on the connection between their oral health and overall health is key.”

Since 1990, the Diabetes Foundation has been working throughout the state to provide individuals with or at risk of diabetes with the resources and education necessary for long-term and effective diabetes self-management. It provided about 4,000 services to the public last year.

“Diabetes often gets the most attention during Diabetes Awareness Month, but it’s not just in November when diabetes' impact on oral health needs to be highlighted for individuals with or at-risk of diabetes,” said Dr. Keith Libou, Chief Clinical Officer of Delta Dental of New Jersey. “Delta Dental of New Jersey provides resources and educational information on diabetes and oral health on our website and social media channels, and working with the Diabetes Foundation helps elevate this conversation and hopefully make more New Jersey residents aware of their diabetes risk.”

Oral health is a crucial determinant of a patient’s overall health, and diabetes is now one of the more than 120 systemic conditions a dentist can screen for during an oral exam. Untreated diabetes can negatively impact oral health over time, causing dry mouth (which can increase the risk for cavities), gum disease, and weakened taste buds.

Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut led the initiative in 2017 to allow dentists to provide an in-office A1C blood test for those who are at high risk for diabetes or pre-diabetes, as well as have that test covered through their Delta Dental plan. Results are available within five minutes of the test being administered. 

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About Delta Dental of New Jersey 

Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey's leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.9 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental and vision coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs.

Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey's mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we're part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 85 million people. For more information, visit DeltaDentalNJ.com. 

About Diabetes Foundation

The Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation started in 1990 with the goal of empowering individuals struggling with prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. The Foundation is committed to providing access to critical resources and medication necessary for people living with diabetes to remain healthy. The Foundation provides a number of programs serving children, parents, adults, caregivers and their families regardless of income or healthcare coverage. The generous support from patrons and sponsors allows the Diabetes Foundation to continue to offer services to the community for free. You can learn more about the foundation at www.diabetesfoundationinc.org or by calling (201) 444-0337.