PR contact: Luke Margolis
973-829-4665EmailGift from Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. improves access to high-quality dental care
MORRISTOWN, N.J., March 20, 2025 – Atlantic Health System is pleased to announce the expansion of dental services for vulnerable populations at the Dental Center at Morristown Medical Center, thanks to the creation of a generous endowment from Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. The center, newly named Delta Dental Center at Morristown Medical Center, is a thriving hub of care for thousands of patients through nearly 8,000 visits annually.
As a critical resource for seniors, at-risk children, and developmentally disabled patients, the center provides care ranging from root canal treatments and extractions, to reconstructive surgery and dental health education for individuals of any age. Thanks to a generous and substantial donation from Delta Dental of New Jersey, new resources will help improve care and educate the next generation of dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants.
“Through dedicated programs such as Senior Smiles, the highly specialized Developmental Disabilities program, and Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children, the Delta Dental Center at Morristown Medical Center continues our commitment to caring for our entire community,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, President, Morristown Medical Center. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Delta Dental of New Jersey who remain a steadfast partner in serving the changing needs of those who turn to us for dental care in challenging life circumstances.”
The center recently moved into a larger space within the hospital. Two additional clinical spaces allow more room to accommodate wheelchairs and gurneys, particularly important for a variety of patients with specialized needs. Patients cared for include those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, as well as traumatic brain injury, vision impairments, cleft abnormalities and other challenges. This population experiences dental issues due to physical, cognitive and financial challenges that can make routine care difficult and can lead to problems with overall health. Many individuals with developmental disabilities need to undergo procedures in the operating room under general anesthesia, which requires a specific approach to care.
“Delta Dental of New Jersey has a proud history of supporting access to high-quality dental care for vulnerable communities at Morristown Medical Center,” said Paul J. Di Maio, President and CEO, Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. “The dedication of Elizabeth Clemente, DDS, her team, and the many dentists who volunteer their time and expertise is truly remarkable. By endowing this program, we are honored to support their vital work for many years to come.”
Along with outpatient care, the center also serves Morristown Medical Center’s inpatient population, performing pre-operation examinations and extractions to clear patients for surgeries and minimize risk for infection. Additionally, the center attends to the oral health needs for patients in the Sameth Emergency Department and assists with trauma patients that require dental support. This diverse range of services offers a comprehensive training environment for dental clinicians, whether they are new to the field or pursuing ongoing education. This includes dental residents who use the center for their training. As of 2024, the Delta Dental Center has four residents engaged in treating patients while continuing to hone their clinical skills.
Delta Dental of New Jersey has enjoyed a longstanding connection with Atlantic Health System, including providing grant funds to support Morristown’s dental program for more than 20 years and being an administrator of the health system’s dental plan for team members.
Discover ways to support the extraordinary care provided at Morristown Medical Center by visiting https://www.f4mmc.org/.
About the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center
Established in 1995, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center’s mission is to inspire community philanthropy to advance exceptional health care for patients at Morristown Medical Center and Goryeb Children’s Hospital. Over the past 10 years, donors have contributed more than $228 million to support both Morristown Medical Center and Goryeb Children’s Hospital. The Foundation for Morristown Medical Center is recognized by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy as a “High Performer” among the nation’s leading hospitals.
About Delta Dental of New Jersey
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. 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.
Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey'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 90 million Americans. For more information, visit DeltaDentalNJ.com.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 21,000 team members and more than 6,800 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people.
The not-for-profit system offers more than 550 sites of care, including its eight hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.
The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multispecialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,700 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.
Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 30 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Health Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.
Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability, has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University, is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers, and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.