Delta Dental of Illinois is partnering with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) during the 2024-2025 school year and helping protect high school student-athletes by donating approximately 5,000 mouth guards to over 50 schools throughout the state.

“Student-athlete health and safety is of the utmost importance to the IHSA and Delta Dental of Illinois,” says Craig Anderson, executive director for IHSA. “We are proud to have a partner in Delta Dental of Illinois, which is aligned with our goal to support students, and we appreciate all that the organization has done and will continue to do for our teams by donating mouthguards.” 

Mouth guards are vital in preventing injuries to the mouth, face, neck, and head during contact sports. Last year Delta Dental of Illinois donated mouthguards to approximately 5,000 student-athletes in high schools across the state.

“At Delta Dental of Illinois, our mission goes beyond just dental benefit programs. We’re deeply rooted in fostering good health in our communities. Our dedication is evident through our efforts to provide health education and support, as well as improve access to care for students & athletes” explains John Maples, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Illinois. “By protecting the smiles of student-athletes, Delta Dental of Illinois is furthering its mission of improving the health and well-being of Illinoisans."

Schools who still need mouth guard donations for their student-athletes can contact Matt Troha at MTroha@ihsa.org

Delta Dental of Illinois is the leading dental benefits carrier in the state, covering more than one-third of Illinois school districts. Additionally, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the organization’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm, reaches thousands of Illinois students each year through school-focused programs like H2O On the Go, which installs water bottle-filling stations in schools for easier access to drinking water, and Land of Smiles, an educational program promoting good oral health habits for elementary students.