NDA Recognizes the Contributions of Mr. Kess to the NDA-HEALTH NOW® Program
Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) today announced that Steven W. Kess, Founding President of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation and Senior Consultant, Global Professional Relations at the Company, received a Bridge Builder Special Recognition Award by the National Dental Association (NDA) during the Opening Session of its Annual Convention held in New Orleans, La. on July 20.
The Bridge Builder Special Recognition Award was developed to commend individuals who have made significant contributions to the 10-year success of the NDA-HEALTH NOW® program, which raises awareness about oral health through community outreach and educational activities. The Award, presented by Dr. Marlon D. Henderson, President, National Dental Association, recognized Mr. Kess for his commitment to help advance the mission and work of the NDA.
“I am honored to receive such a special recognition from Dr. Henderson and the NDA, an organization that has done so much to provide services, education, and access to thousands in underserved communities across America and around the globe,” said Mr. Kess. “At Henry Schein, we share NDA’s commitment to community, and will continue to help advance the NDA’s mission of leveraging public-private partnerships to serve children, senior citizens, and others without access to health care. We will also continue to support its mission of reducing health disparities, increase oral health literacy and promote prevention in underserved and vulnerable populations. Together, we can help ensure access to necessary oral health care.”
An advocate for underrepresented minorities and a catalyst in helping to create awareness about the importance of oral health, Mr. Kess has been particularly active in efforts to advance health equity and improve access to health care for at risk populations and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has served in a variety of leadership roles in many health care associations and organizations, and currently serves as the Founding President Emeritus of the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund and Chairman of Project Accessible Oral Health for individuals with disabilities. He is the Immediate Past President, and an active Executive Management Committee member of the Santa Fe Group, a leading oral health think tank. In addition, Mr. Kess has served on several dental school advisory boards, including at The New York University College of Dentistry, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
“Mr. Kess’ vision and unparalleled support helped lay the foundation for the NDA-HEALTH NOW program, which has placed mobile health units, equipped for medical screening, vision screening, and dental services in underserved communities,” said Dr. Henderson. “He envisioned the impact that NDA-HEALTH NOW would have, and made a commitment to help advance the mission and work of the NDA. Together with Henry Schein, Mr. Kess helped leverage resources, human capital, and in-kind support to grow a supportive network of like-minded individuals who also embraced the principles of health equity. As a result of his decade-long commitment, NDA-HEALTH NOW has flourished beyond imagination. Mr. Kess is a pillar of the program’s past and future, and will forever remain a part of its legacy.”
For more information about the NDA-HEALTH NOW program, please visit https://ndaonline.org/healthnow/.
