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What is the Smile180 Foundation?

Written by Guest Editorial | Apr 22, 2026 12:16:08 PM

A healthy smile is more than just a sign of happiness—it’s a catalyst for confidence, well-being, and opportunity. The Smile180 Foundation, by Delta Dental of Tennessee, embodies this belief by transforming lives across the state through the power of oral health.

At its core, Smile180 reflects the transformative power of a healthy smile to turn someone's life around. This guiding principle drives every initiative and partnership the foundation undertakes.

For more than 25 years, Delta Dental of Tennessee has been dedicated to giving back to the community that has fueled its growth and prosperity. Inspired by the insights of then board member Dr. Carmen Reagan, the company launched a program of intentional corporate social responsibility, focusing on improving the oral health of Tennesseans. While many programs are directly related to oral health, others provide empowerment resources and education, broadening the foundation’s impact. In 2014, these efforts were formalized with the establishment of the Smile180 Foundation, cementing Delta Dental’s commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of Tennesseans.

Delta Dental of Tennessee, through Smile180, is deeply committed to enhancing the health and well-being of communities by improving oral health statewide. The foundation supports a wide range of organizations, including Tennessee’s dental colleges, children’s hospitals, free and reduced-cost dental clinics, and other like-minded charities. These efforts ensure that quality oral care reaches those who need it most, especially in underserved areas.

Smile180 doesn’t just address immediate needs—it invests in the future of dentistry in Tennessee. By providing support and state-of-the-art facilities for the state’s future dentists, the foundation helps ensure that the next generation of oral health professionals is well-equipped to serve their communities.


Smile180 has stepped in to help develop facilities that can treat children on location when they require dental care during a hospital stay, financially supporting the cost of equipment for Tennessee children’s hospitals. This commitment means that even the youngest and most vulnerable Tennesseans have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.

Oral care is a basic necessity, yet many Tennesseans lack access to it. Smile180 supports dental clinics that reach those who need it most, breaking down barriers and ensuring that oral health is not a privilege, but a right.

The Smile180 Foundation is more than a charitable arm—it’s a movement dedicated to turning lives around, one smile at a time. Through strategic partnerships, investments in
education, and a steadfast commitment to community well-being, Smile180 continues to shape a healthier, brighter future for Tennessee.

Learn more about the work of the Smile180 Foundation at DeltaDentalTN.com/Smile180.