The County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation said Feb. 12 that it has received a $1 million grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation Inc., the largest corporate foundation grant in CCM history, to support the launch of CCM’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs in its Center for Health Professions, currently under construction.
This grant is offered in addition to Delta Dental’s $100,000 SMILE grant received in August of 2024 to underwrite the development and implementation of the two dental programs.
“Delta Dental’s commitment to the dental profession and CCM will allow the college to prepare the next generation of dental professionals. Because of Delta Dental, future students will enter the medical/dental workforce equipped with the skills necessary to meet the dental needs in the region,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM.
The Center for Health Professions at CCM is funded through support from state Sens. Joseph Pennachio, Paul Sarlo, Anthony Bucco, Nicholas Scutari, former state Sen. Steven Oroho and the Morris County Commissioners.
Philanthropic support from partners like Delta Dental will help to equip the building with the latest and greatest technologies. Set to open in winter 2027, this 80,000 square-foot facility will feature innovative learning spaces and state-of-the-art laboratories that simulate medical and dental centers. Delta Dental’s grant will be instrumental in enhancing the new facility for the dental programs, with the intent to enhance public oral health and deliver accessible, high-quality preventive oral health care.
“Building a strong, diverse dental workforce is critical to the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation’s 40-year mission of expanding care to those who need it most. Our ability to fund significant initiatives like this reflects Delta Dental’s ‘do well, do good’ philosophy,” said Paul Di Maio, president and CEO, Delta Dental of New Jersey. “By supporting the Center for Health Professions, we are transforming our corporate success into a permanent community asset that will educate the next generation of dental professionals.”
Kelly Meola, CCM Foundation executive director, added, “As the philanthropic arm of CCM, the CCM Foundation’s work is fueled by the remarkable generosity of community partners. This grant from Delta Dental signifies the power of philanthropy and the Delta Dental Foundation is a leader in showing our community the impact grants and gifts will have on future generations of health-care providers.”
