Dental News - California dentists honor Irvin B. Silverstein, DDS

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California dentists honor Irvin B. Silverstein, DDS

Irvin B. Silverstein, DDS has received the 2010 California Dental Association Foundation Humanitarian Award. (DTI/Photo California Dental Association)
California Dental Association

California Dental Association

Mon. 20 December 2010

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Sacramento, Calif. —Irvin B. Silverstein, DDS, MS, was awarded the 2010 California Dental Association Foundation Humanitarian Award for his dedication to providing dental care to the underserved for more than 30 years. As with past recipients — Charlie Goldstein, DDS, and Guillermo Vicuña, DDS — Silverstein exemplifies selfless dedication that has affected countless lives.

Silverstein’s humanitarian efforts began in the late 1970s, when he helped develop the Special Needs Program at the USC County Hospital. He also has provided pro bono care to special needs patients at the Home to the Guiding Hands in San Diego, and served as a mentor at San Diego State University in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

“Dr Silverstein’s legacy is not only that he cares in a way that helps those who are in need, but that he is a supreme example and inspiration of selfless commitment and passes that on to those around him,” said Donald Rollofson, DMD, chair of the CDA Foundation grant selection committee.

With the help of Silverstein’s guidance and leadership, UC San Diego started its student-run Free Dental Clinic Project in 2002. The project has had a tremendous impact in the community by creating a framework for local dentists to work alongside predental students in treating homeless and underprivileged populations. The clinic provides students, who are considering a career in dentistry, work experience while teaching them the value of volunteerism and social responsibility. To date, the clinic has completed nearly 40,000 procedures worth an estimated $2 million.

Silverstein encourages others to participate in humanitarian efforts around the world as a leader and mentor.

“Dr Silverstein is clearly a health care provider with a passion for giving, and many young dentists have been motivated by his example,” Rollofson said. “Students will use the experience they’ve gained at the UCSD clinic to help the underserved in other areas.”

 

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