Delta Dental of Connecticut Spotlights Link Between Oral and Mental Health for Mental Health Awarene
Delta Dental of Connecticut Spotlights Link Between Oral and Mental Health for Mental Health Awareness Month
GLASTONBURY, CT–May 16, 2025–In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Delta Dental of Connecticut (DDCT) is partnering with Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) to raise awareness about the critical, often-overlooked connection between oral health and mental wellness.
The connection between mental health and oral health is undeniable. Depression and anxiety make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. Moreover, poor oral health—such as missing teeth or untreated dental pain—can severely impact an individual’s confidence, employability, and overall emotional well-being.
“We’ve diligently worked to expand access to oral health care through our Special Health Care Needs benefit for group plans and in working with our Delta Dental Foundation grantees to reach the populations in dire need of this support,” said Dr. Keith Libou, Chief Clinical Officer of Delta Dental of Connecticut. “We are proud to be among the Connecticut business community supporting these efforts to raise awareness and are honored to support Mental Health Connecticut in driving these efforts forward,” he continued.
Connecticut ranks among the top two states in the nation for overall mental health, but access to behavioral health care remains a persistent challenge due to a shortage of providers and systemic barriers to care.
“Our goal is to empower communities, encourage help-seeking behavior, and reduce stigma around mental health,” said Luis B. Pérez, President and CEO of Mental Health Connecticut. “Mental health is foundational to wellness, and we know that when people feel empowered to prioritize their whole health, including dental care, they’re more likely to thrive at home, at work, and in the community.”
Mental Health Connecticut is leading several impactful initiatives this May, including its Let’s Face It campaign, which features five real-life stories from CT residents overcoming mental health challenges.
In addition, MHC is distributing lawn signs, encouraging businesses to light up green, and hosting educational events to ensure mental health remains a visible and actionable priority across Connecticut.
For free mental health screenings and resources, visit www.mhconn.org.
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About Delta Dental of 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. Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey's leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 2.1 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut.
Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental'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 89 million people. For more information, visit https://www.deltadentalct.com.
About Mental Health Connecticut
Mental Health Connecticut's (MHC) mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. Established by Clifford Beers in 1908, MHC is committed to the mental health and wellness of all Connecticut residents through advocacy, education, and service. MHC is CARF-accredited, a Platinum Level Bell Seal recipient of Mental Health America’s Workplace for Mental Health certification, and a recipient of the Hartford Courant’s 2024 Top Workplace Award and Top Workplaces USA 2025 Award. For more information about MHC, go to: www.mhconn.org.
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