This August, the ADA Foundation is rallying the dental community to raise at least $125,000 to improve access to oral health care for people with special needs. Funds raised during the ADA Foundation Challenge will be matched dollar for dollar up to $125,000 by Henry Schein Cares. The goal of the campaign is to secure at least $250,000.
The funding will enable the ADA Foundation to provide grants to nonprofit organizations working to increase access to care for patients who, due to physical, medical, developmental or cognitive disabilities, require special consideration when receiving dental treatment. These patients may include people with autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, spinal cord injuries and countless other disabilities or injuries that can make standard dental procedures more difficult.
“There are many barriers to quality oral health care for people with disabilities, whether they be physical, financial, or simply finding a dentist who understands their needs,” said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Henry Schein, Inc. “I encourage the dental community to contribute to the Henry Schein Cares challenge so we can foster an improved understanding of this critically important issue and spur action towards enhancing the oral health, overall health, and quality of life of this most deserving population.”
“The ADA Foundation is seizing this opportunity to challenge the dental community to come together and increase access to oral health care for one of our most vulnerable populations: people with special needs,” said William R. Calnon, D.D.S., president of the ADA Foundation. “For years, many dedicated professionals and organizations have worked tirelessly to improve the oral health of these high-risk patients. Unfortunately many challenges persist regarding access to appropriate timely diagnosis and treatment. We thank Henry Schein Cares for their continued support as we continue to address various barriers to care.”
To make a donation to the ADA Foundation or to learn more about this and other programs, visit ADAFoundation.org.
Editor’s Note: Reporters are invited to follow the ADA on Twitter @AmerDentalAssn
About the ADA Foundation
As dentistry's premier philanthropic and charitable organization, the ADA Foundation is a catalyst for uniting people and organizations to invest in better oral health for all, together. The ADA Foundation annually provides more than $2 million in grants, scholarships, awards, and facilitated in-kind product donations to programs that are in alignment with the organization’s efforts to advance oral health, expand access to dental care, and drive game-changing research. As part of these efforts, the ADA Foundation oversees the Give Kids A Smile® program and also oversees the ADA Foundation Volpe Research Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland (formerly the Paffenbarger Research Center). For more information about the ADA Foundation, visit ADAFoundation.org.
