Delta Dental of Iowa sponsored "Special Smiles" for Special Olympics National Games

Pictured above (left to right): Elaine Hieber, Chairperson for 2006 National Games, Donn Hutchins, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa and Rich Fellingham, President/CEO of Special Olympics Iowa

ANKENY, Iowa - April 10, 2006 - Delta Dental of Iowa announced a $25,000 contribution to the 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games, which were held in Ames July 2-7. Delta Dental of Iowa was a sponsor of the Healthy Athletes "Special Smiles" dental clinic where Special Olympics athletes received free dental screenings while participating in the Games. The first-ever National Games drew more than 3,000 athletes, 2,000 coaches and delegates, 8,000 volunteers and 10,000 family members and friends to Ames.

Delta Dental of Iowa's $25,000 contribution is part of a continuing commitment to support the Special Olympics and other oral health initiatives. Delta Dental also provides annual funding for Special Olympics Iowa to support oral health programs for Healthy Athletes. At the National Games, Delta Dental employees volunteered at the "Special Smiles" dental clinic, and the Ankeny-based not-for-profit company also helped recruit dentists to volunteer their services for the athletes.

"Delta Dental of Iowa has a mission to improve the oral health of Iowans, and we are proud to be associated with Special Olympics as a part of their efforts," said Donn Hutchins, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. "Along with the fun and personal growth that comes from participating in the National Games, Special Olympics athletes can benefit from the oral health care and information - which Delta Dental of Iowa is pleased to help support."

Delta Dental of Iowa is the largest and most experienced provider of dental benefits in the state. The Iowa company is a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, a national organization of not-for-profit Delta Dental member companies. The national association is the largest dental benefits carrier in the nation, providing coverage to more than 45 million people in nearly 76,000 employer groups.

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To learn more about Delta Dental of Iowa, please visit: www.deltadentalia.com

Pictured above (left to right): Kathryn Sauer of Urbandale, Colby Wheeler of Des Moines and Angela Oberlander of Des Moines. All are Special Olympics Iowa athletes who went to the National Games as a part of Team Iowa. Kathryn competed in bowling, Colby in MATP (Motor Activities Training Program) and Angela in gymnastics.