Delta Dental of New Mexico is more than a dental benefits company—we’re a mission-driven partner in public health. Since 1971, we’ve worked to ensure New Mexicans have access to affordable, high-quality dental care through strong local networks and national support. As a nonprofit, we reinvest in the community, promote access, and collaborate with local leaders to build a healthier, more resilient New Mexico.
1. UNM Children’s Hospital Early Intervention Dental Program
- Innovative program designed to integrate oral health into comprehensive pediatric care at UNM Children’s Hospital and associated clinics (oncology/hematology). Learn more about the program here https://unmhealth.org/childrens-hospital/
2. UNM Comprehensive School Based Clinics Program
- For over 16 years DDNM partnered with UNM and APS (Albuquerque Public Schools) to create a school-based dental clinic program that aims to improve oral health education, access, and services for underserved children. Learn more about the program here https://unmhealth.org/services/school-based-health-clinics/
3. Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless Dental Clinic (AHCH)
- 20 year partnership with AHCH supports the AHCH dental clinic and mobile van, providing high-quality, compassionate dental care to some of the most marginalized members of our community. Learn more about the program here https://www.abqhch.org/
4. Doña Ana Community College (DACC) Dental Hygiene Program
- Since 2018, DDNM has partnered with Doña Ana Community College (DACC) in Las Cruces, NM to expand community-based dental hygiene clinics that provide no-cost preventive care for underserved communities and provide training for DACC dental hygiene students. Learn more about the program here https://dacc.nmsu.edu/academics/programs/dental-programs/index.html
5. American Heart Association of New Mexico
- Long-lasting partnership to amplify the oral health/heart health connection as research has shown that periodontal (gum) disease caused by poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke. Learn more here https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/new-mexico.
6. New Mexico Dental Association Foundation
- DDNM is a proud and active partner of the New Mexico Dental Association Foundation, collaborating on initiatives to improve oral health and increase access to dental care for underserved New Mexicans. In 2025 DDNM donated 5,000 oral health kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, oral health tips in English and Spanish) for distribution at NMDAF events across the state. Learn more here https://nmdentalassociationfoundation.org/home.aspx
7. Delta Dental of New Mexico Mouth Guard Program
- Since 2023 DDNM has provided ADA-approved Delta Dental Athletic Mouth Guards free-of-charge to student-athletes across NM in order to guard their grins and keep them in the classroom, and out of the emergency room. In 2025, over 16,469 mouth guards were distributed to NM student-athletes. For more information please visit https://www.deltadentalnm.com/about-us/community-engagement/mouth-guards/
8. Smiles Across New Mexico Small Grant Program
- Started in 2024, the Smiles Across New Mexico Small Grant Program provides $5,000 grants to organizations across New Mexico to help fund dental education initiatives and programs designed to promote the oral health of under-served children and individuals in at-risk populations. In 2025 (14) SANM grantees were awarded across NM. For more information please visit https://www.deltadentalnm.com/about-us/community-engagement/smiles-across-new-mexico/
9. Meals on Wheels NM
- Meals on Wheels of ABQ provides home-delivered meals ensuring clients receive needed nutrition with a friendly face & wellness check. DDNM provides funding for services and oral health kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, oral health tips in English and Spanish) for homebound clients in need. For more information please visit https://www.deltadentalnm.com/about-us/community-engagement/smiles-across-new-mexico/
10. Special Olympics of New Mexico (SONM)
- DDNM is proud to partner with Special Olympics of New Mexico as they work to build inclusive communities and transform lives through sport. One of the key ways DDNM contributes to SONM is through the Special Smiles event, which provides dental screenings and Delta Dental Mouth Guards for Special Olympics athletes, ensuring they have the protection they need to compete safely. For more information please visit https://sonm.org/
