MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners, announced today its donation of more than$12,000 in oral health products to The Smiles for Life Foundation in support of three humanitarian visits to underserved communities in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Nepal.
As part of its agreement with The Smiles for Life Foundation, Henry Schein's donation of toothbrushes and other oral health supplies will be divided between the Foundation's three missions, which are scheduled for later this spring. At each mission site, volunteer oral health professionals will work with local dentists and hygienists to provide treatment—including cleanings, root canals, implants, and more—and oral hygiene education to the local population. Volunteers also provide ongoing training to the local practitioners to ensure that community members are able to access care on a continuing basis.
The Foundation is the children's charity arm of Crown Council, an international association of independent dental practices committed to promoting oral health, fighting oral cancer, and serving communities.
"Henry Schein Cares is helping entire societies build health care capacity so that the benefit of these missions lasts long after our work is done," said Steven J. Anderson, Co-founder of Crown Council and Trustee of The Smiles for Life Foundation. "These humanitarian efforts are uniquely designed to teach and train local dental providers while immediately benefitting those in need. The effort would not be possible without the partnership with Henry Schein Cares."
The donation is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the Company's global social responsibility program, and continues Henry Schein'snine-year partnership with The Smiles for Life Foundation. More than 1,000 volunteers from the U.S. and Canada have treated thousands of patients during 29 Foundation expeditions since 2007.
"Henry Schein is pleased to continue its support of The Smiles for Life Foundation in its mission to not only provide essential care to those in need, but to also equip local dentists with the knowledge and experience they need to sustain good oral health in their own communities," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. "This partnership is a prime example of our Company's commitment to working with like-minded organizations to 'help health happen' throughout the world."
