Dental outreach for Moldovan children

Henry Schein Dental UK supported a dental team from the United States led by Dr. Burton A. Horwitz, DDS, MSD (University of North Carolina), which has volunteered every year for the past 15 years performing dental treatment on underprivileged children in Chisnau, Moldova. Their most recent mission took place in May 2017 at a dental clinic at Moldovan University as well as Baptist Medical/Dental Clinic. In addition, several private dental offices offered support and ac-cess to their practices for this NC Moldova State Partnership programme.

A team of more than five dentists and dental nurses saw more than 150 patients. During the 10-day mission, the health care professionals performed more than 300 procedures including oral exams, prophylaxis, restorative fillings, extractions and sealants. In addition, University of North Carolina and Moldavan dental students received training in proper dental procedures and tech-niques.

“Due to poverty in Moldova, oral health prevention is neglected and the lack of financial resources lead to poor dental treatment,” said Dr. Burton A. Horwitz. “Children suffer a lot from this situation and we are happy and grateful to be in the position to help again and make a difference to these children’s lives.”

Henry Schein’s donation is part of its partnership with the ICD Global Visionary Fund (GVF), and an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility pro-gramme. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on three main areas: ad-vancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emer-gency preparedness and relief.

The International College of Dentists (ICD) is a leading international honor society for dentists. Conceived in 1920 with members in 122 countries, who have been awarded the prestigious title of Fellow in the ICD (FICD). Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only. A nominated dentist must pass a rigorous, peer review process leading to the recognition of the individual’s “outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service and dedication to the continued pro-gress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind”.

“We are delighted to support this long-term mission in Moldovan that aims to enhance children’s oral health and raise their awareness for the importance of oral hygiene and health,” said Simon Gambold, Henry Schein’s Vice President Marketing EMEA Dental Group. “Goals of our global corporate social responsibility programme, Henry Schein Cares, are to increase access to oral care, to build capacity and to support dental professionals in the provision of desperately needed treatment and preventive care. With this worthwhile programme and through our cooperation with the International College of Dentists, we are able to fulfill all of them.”