Dental News - Henry Schein and the International College of Dentists promote oral care in Haiti

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Henry Schein and the International College of Dentists promote oral care in Haiti

Hundreds of children recently attended a one-day program and took part in health education, physical fitness and recreational activities in Haiti, thanks to efforts of Henry Schein and the International College of Dentists. (Photo: Henry Schein Inc.)

Wed. 16 January 2019

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Henry Schein Inc. and the Global Visionary Fund (GVF) of the International College of Dentists (ICD) have once again joined together to support the oral health of children. This time, products were donated to the Fleur de Vie’s health awareness and education initiative during a back-to-school program.

From September to December 2018, more than 400 grammar school age children attended a one-day program and took part in health education, physical fitness and recreational activities.

During the day, the pupils received school suppliers for the year as well as new tooth brushes and tooth paste. Information in French and Haitian Creole was also provided for parents to further encourage them to teach their children proper oral health practices. As part of this program, the children also received oral health screenings and education on how to properly use their new toothbrushes and how to floss by Dr. Mario Sajous, a local dentist and faculty member of the Faculté d’Odontologie de l’Université d’État-d’Hite (Dental Faculty of the State University of Haiti). This oral care promotion is an ongoing project that will continue in 2019.

“Every child deserves not only the opportunity to return to school confident in the knowledge that they have the tools to succeed, but also the best health care possible. This Fleur de Vie project not only offers an important help for many families providing students with exactly what they need to meet the challenges of a new school year, but also combines this worthwhile course with oral health prevention and education initiatives that are so crucial for the student’s total health,” said Jennifer Kim Field, vice president, corporate social responsibility at Henry Schein. “We are very happy to be able to support this initiative in cooperation with the ICD.”

Fleur De Vie, which means Flower of Life, is a not-for-profit organization based in New York that works with and supports initiatives to implement social change in communities in need around the world. Fleur De Vie lends its assistance at a grassroots level by organizing program that promote transparency and ensuring that the focus remains on benefiting the vulnerable and poor of populations that need it most. This work is done by collaborating with not for profits that take action in education, health, and environmental sustainability, areas of concentration that can have the most impact long term. Fleur De Vie is comprised of a team of professionals who, in partnership with a network of like-minded individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities, are devoted to supporting the needs of struggling not for profits through fund-raising and campaign promotions.

Henry Schein’s product donation is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility program. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on three main areas: advancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emergency preparedness and relief. The support for Fleur de Vie is part of Henry Schein Cares’ long-term partnership with the ICD Global Visionary Fund.

In conjunction with this partnership, the International College of Dentists has inducted three dentists from Haiti — Sajous, alongside Dr. Jacques Denis and Dr. Tony Cajouste Jean-Pierre — into the Fellowship of the College in recognition of their outstanding professional achievements, meritorious services, and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind.

The initiation ceremony took place this past November in New York City, where the dentists received their gold Key and Fellowship Certificate.

(Source: Henry Schein Inc.)

Access to care Children Henry Schein Inc.

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