Brighter Way Institute Expands Access To Dental Care With $270,000 Grant From The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Brighter Way Institute has secured a $270,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to expand critically needed oral healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured adults and children throughout metropolitan Phoenix. Operating under the mission to be a leader in providing outstanding dental care to the community’s most vulnerable populations, Brighter Way focuses many of its services on veterans, homeless adults and uninsured/Medicaid-ineligible children.

“Dental care can often be overlooked for those in our community who need urgent support, but we are working to change that as it greatly impacts a person’s overall health and quality of life,” said philanthropist and businesswoman, Renee Parsons. “Bob and I believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare and dental services, and the Brighter Way Institute is providing critical care to those most in need.”

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has a history of supporting life-changing dental care and funded the expansion of the Brighter Ways’ pediatric dental clinic, Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry at Murphy, through more than $1.9 million in previous grants.

This latest grant comes as Brighter Way launches into a major partnership with national dental brand, Affordable Dentures & Implants, to deliver free dental implant, oral surgery and prosthetic treatment to hundreds of U.S. military veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness. About 400 volunteers – including affiliated practice owners, dental technicians and other auxiliary staff members – will travel from throughout the United States to Phoenix for six pro bono sessions in 2017.

Additionally, the recent grant will support operations of Brighter Way’s three dental clinics: The Brighter Way Dental Center (formerly known as the CASS Dental Clinic), the Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry at Murphy and Canyon State Academy Dental Center. Launched in 2001, The Brighter Way Dental Center is the organization’s main clinic and offers comprehensive oral healthcare to homeless, underinsured and uninsured adults. Canyon State Academy Dental Center opened in 2015 and provides a dental home for hundreds of at-risk children in foster care who are receiving services at Canyon State Academy’s residential program.

“Bob and Renee Parsons have the biggest heart for those among us who have nowhere to turn for oral healthcare. They have a deep understanding of how a lack of dental care can undermines one’s health, self-esteem and employability,” said Dr. Kris Volcheck, CEO and Founder of Brighter Way Institute. “Because of their generosity, our community’s veterans, LGBT youth, homeless population, uninsured children, patients with HIV and foster children have access to transformative dental healthcare.”

In the past five years, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has given more than $120 million to nonprofit organizations addressing critical needs in their communities.

To learn more about Brighter Way Institute visit: https://www.brighterwaydental.org/