Grand Rapids Dentist receives Delta Dental's First Gribben Award

$25,000 Award Recognizes Dentist's Efforts in Improving Oral Health in High-Needs Community

OKEMOS, Mich. (PRWEB) May 15, 2015

Today, the Delta Dental Foundation awarded the first Patrick P. Gribben Jr. Community Commitment Award of $25,000 to Laura Norris, DDS to recognize her efforts in providing much needed dental care to children and adults in an underserved area in Michigan.

Norris was selected for the award by faculty of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry based on her commitment to work for at least one year in a high-needs community immediately following completion of her dental education and licensure requirements. Norris is currently committed to providing community dentistry services at Cherry Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan for two years.

"The Delta Dental Foundation is proud to award Dr. Norris the Patrick P. Gribben Jr. Community Commitment Award," said Teri Battaglieri, director, Delta Dental Foundation. "This award recognizes her dedication to increasing access to care in a community where children and adults might otherwise not be able to receive the dental care they need."

The award honors the memory of Patrick P. Gribben Jr., who served for 25 years as the president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Michigan and later as President of the Delta Dental Fund, which is dedicated to improving the oral and overall health of the children and adults in the community.

"Providing preventive and restorative dental services to more than 1,100 underserved children and adults each year at Cherry Health is helping make positive strides in the health and quality of life for each patient," said Norris. "With the Delta Dental Foundation's support, we can continue advocating for community dentistry in high-need areas and making sure more people receive better access to high-quality dental care."

About Delta Dental Foundation
The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. The Foundation's goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For more information, visit http://www.deltadentalmi.com.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/05/prweb12724879.htm