No-Cost Dental Care Provided to Holocaust Survivors

"The Alpha Omega and Henry Schein Cares initiative will serve as a model for how our nation can help survivors age with the comfort and dignity they deserve." -Aviva Sufian, Special Envoy for U.S. Holocaust Survivor Services 

In May, we shared details about a partnership between two dental giants—The Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and Henry Schein Inc.—to provide no-cost dental care to economically disadvantaged Holocaust survivors. Then, in December, Stephen Lampert, Laboratory Manager, Town and Country Dental Studios, and leadership from Henry Schein, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity (AO), and philanthropic organizations attended the White House Convening on Holocaust Survivor Dental Services, to discuss the upcoming launch of the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.

Stephen Lampert noted how proud he was to support the program, that brings oral care to survivors.  

“We have worked with Henry Schein for a long time, and it gives us tremendous pleasure to build upon our strong partnership by participating with the company on a program that will bring much needed oral care to a most deserving and at-risk population.” 25% of Holocaust survivors in the United States already live below the poverty line, and many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders. Some victims neglect their oral health to the point that they are unable to properly chew and digest their meals. 

To date, the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program has provided oral care to more than 130 economically vulnerable Holocaust survivors in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, the New York/New Jersey metro area, Philadelphia, Seattle, Montreal, and Toronto.

In 2016, the program further expanded to include: Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, the Greater Washington, D.C. area, W. Hartford and Winnipeg. In 2017, Cincinnati and Milwaukee were added to the growing list of participating cities. Additional expansion is anticipated in the future. Earlier this year, Seattle's Holocaust Center for Humanity honored participating local dentists at a reception where Seattle Mayor Edward B. Murray issued a proclamation declaring November 2nd, "Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Day." 

The individuals who participte in no-cost healthcare are referred directly through the local Jewish Family and Children's Service agency or another local partner organization.

In addition to financial need, the 3 critical factors in prioritizing patients for participation are: elimination of pain, restoring function, and lack of dental coverage. 

A clear set of clinical guidelines direct the specific scope of care provided through the program which has expanded from nine to twelve cities and secured the participation of two dental schools. It is aimed to provide an additional one million dollars in dental care this upcoming year.