Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) announced today that Steve Kess, Vice President, Global Professional Relations and Co-Founder of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility program, was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists (ICD) at the 87th Annual Convocation of its USA Section in Denver, Colorado.
An honorary organization for the recognition of outstanding and meritorious service to the dental profession and to the community, the College presented Steve Kess with an Honorary Membership plaque, a gold lapel pin, and a gold key symbolic of this Fellowship in appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions to the dental profession and for outstanding services provided to the cause of oral science.
“It is truly a privilege to be honored as a Fellow by the International College of Dentists,” said Mr. Kess. “I am grateful for the opportunity ICD has given me, and for the support of Henry Schein, to help advance oral health around the world. As a Fellow, I am committed to identifying more opportunities to enhance access to care and to further support the ICD USA Section Foundation and the ICD Global Visionary Fund (GVF).”
The ICD has more than 12,000 members in 122 countries throughout the world. All members of the College adhere to one universal motto: “Recognizing Service and the Opportunity to Serve.” Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only. A nominated professional 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 progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind. Mr. Kess is the third Team Schein Member to be honored as an ICD Fellow, the others being Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, and Simon Gambold, Vice President European Dental Northern Region.
“We are pleased to recognize Mr. Kess, who has been such a strong advocate for oral health issues, catalyzing partnerships and leveraging the Henry Schein Cares Foundation and Henry Schein Cares, to make such a profound and lasting impact on the dental needs of those who are less fortunate,” said Dr. Phillip Dowell, International President of the International College of Dentists. “Henry Schein’s work to advance health care by providing education and supporting the development of dental leadership is an excellent match to the ICD’s goals.”
In a cap and gown ceremony, held during the ICD USA Section’s annual meeting, Dr. Margaret M. Culotta-Norton, President of the USA Section, inducted 309 dentists and four Honorary members from the United States into the College this year. The induction was witnessed by hundreds of members and guests, including International College Councilors and citizens from more than 20 countries throughout the world.
“All of us at Henry Schein congratulate Steve for his induction in ICD as a result of catalyzing public-private partnerships to enhance access to care for those in need,” said Mr. Bergman. “We are very pleased with Team Schein’s ongoing relationship with ICD and our collective efforts to help make an impact on the communities we serve.”
