Four rural dentists received financial awards and recognition through the Fulfilling Iowa’s Need for Dentists (FIND) project, funded by Delta Dental of Iowa and supported by several other partners. This initiative helps establish or transition ownership of dental practices in rural areas with limited access to care, focusing on helping underserved populations. 

One of the four recipients is Dr. Zachary Johnson with Fuller Family Dental in Lenox & Corning. Dr. Johnson completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Iowa. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 2023, he returned home to southwest Iowa to become an associate with Dr. Maria Fuller’s new satellite practice in Lenox.

The FIND program offers funding of $125,000 or $200,000 to participating dentists in exchange for a five-year commitment serving priority communities. Because Lenox falls under the ‘high priority’ category, Dr. Johnson is eligible for the full $200,000 award. However, to be selected for FIND, community partners are required to provide a local match to qualify Dr. Johnson as a candidate. Lenox Municipal Utilities, the IADG Community Foundation, and other Lenox partners pooled funding together to meet the $5,000 match. Dr. Johnson began practicing in Lenox in 2023.

Aditional 2024 FIND award recipients include: 
Dr. Kale Floyd, Anderson and Floyd Dentistry, Eldora
Dr. Maxwell Loew, Prairie Trails Family Dental, Corydon 
Dr. Chet Meneely, Family Dental Center, Atlantic & Avoca 

Since its launch in 2002, FIND has supported 61 dentists, resulting in over 350,000 patient visits for underserved Iowans. For more information about FIND, please contact Ethan Pitt, VP of Community Initiatives, at epitt@iadg.com.