Dental News - Outreach program provides free oral health services to the underserved

Heraeus Kulzer

Tue. 12 October 2010

save

SOUTH BEND, IN, USA: Heraeus Kulzer recently hosted and coordinated an outreach program in collaboration with The L.D. Pankey Foundation to provide free oral health services to those without access to dental care. The two-day clinic, called ‘Pankey Dental Access Days,’ was held at Heraeus’ Education Facility, located on the Heraeus campus in Indiana.

“This event is an opportunity to reach out to our community and to help provide services to those who need them most,” said Chris Holden, president of Heraeus. “We recognize that a two-day clinic does not solve the larger issue of health care access, but it can certainly bring attention to the tremendous need for oral health care, both in our community and across the U.S.”

Pankey Dental Access Days is dedicated to providing free oral health services to underserved people across the United States. The event is largely dependent on local volunteers, including dentists, hygienists, assistants and others who believe in providing oral health care to those in need.

The mission of each local two-day clinic is to provide as much care to as many people as possible. In keeping with this goal, approximately 100 patients were given dental care at the South Bend event, which was held 13 -14 August. Most received a mix of services, including cancer screenings, hygiene/cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals and crowns.

The L.D. Pankey Foundation’s Dental Access Days is operated through a cooperative effort of individual Pankey-trained dental professionals and dental companies that provide support through monetary and in-kind product and service donations.

Heraeus Kulzer, LLC, whose North American manufacturing plant is based in South Bend, is donating many of its flagship products to the effort, including Venus, Venus Diamond, Gluma and iBond.

“Heraeus is honored to be part of Dental Access Days,” Holden said. “We are truly inspired by the work of the L.D. Pankey Foundation and its passion and commitment to help people in need.”

(Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA)

To post a reply please login or register

ADA launches program to provide dental care in underserved areas

CHICAGO, IL, USA: The American Dental Association (ADA) recently launched a pilot program in several states to deliver needed dental care to underserved ...

CDA Cares provides free treatment to underserved in San Diego area

SACRAMENTO, Calif., USA: Hosted by the California Dental Association Foundation and CDA, the CDA Cares volunteer dental clinic at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in...

AGD and AGD Foundation to provide free care to hundreds of Philadelphia's underserved residents

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., USA: On Saturday, June 23, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the AGD Foundation will partner with the University of Pennsylvania...

ADHA backs oral health program that serves primary care providers

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: The American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s board of trustees recently announced its formal endorsement of the Smiles for...

Dental Outreach Scholars look to their next steps in providing care for the underserved

LOUISVILLE. Ky., USA: As University of Louisville dental students prepare to launch clinical careers or take the next step in their educational journey, a ...

NDA’s HEALTH NOW project aims to serve the underserved

Established in 1913, the National Dental Association (NDA) promotes oral health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its ...

Total Health program helps dentists keep patients healthy from head to toe

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: It’s no secret that good oral health is vital to a person’s overall health. Now, thanks to a program from Henry Schein, ...

Oral Health America pushes to expand dental hygiene services

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: Oral Health America (OHA) recently issued a recommendation that supports the expansion of oral health services through the utilization ...

CDA Cares delivers oral health services to 2,026 people

SACRAMENTO, Calif., USA: The California Dental Association Foundation’s free dental clinic, CDA Cares, provided more than $1.3 million in charitable ...