A student at Indiana University (IU) Northwest in Gary is launching a drive to provide dental supplies and education to local underprivileged communities.
Chris Sicinski, a senior chemistry and predental student, suffered a painful tooth infection last year that required emergency oral surgery, according to a press release. The experience served as a catalyst to launch a collection drive for dental supplies that he plans to distribute along with oral health education to the needy in northwest Indiana.
He noted that 75% of Americans suffer from oral health issues, but many can't afford dental care.
Sicinski will collect toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, dental plaque tablets, and other dental supplies for children and families in need. He will distribute them through local schools and clinics that serve the underprivileged.
A dentist in Lowell donated more than 600 toothbrushes. An alumna of the IU Northwest dental education program, who now works for Colgate, has arranged a large donation from Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals.
IU's police department made a significant donation to support Sicinski's efforts and will help distribute the supplies.
Sicinski plans to attend dental school at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and wants to return to northwest Indiana to practice.
He will collect supplies until December 20. Donated supplies can be sent to Indiana University Northwest, c/o Ernest Talarico Jr., PhD, Dunes Medical/Education Building, Room 3028A, 3400 Broadway, IN, 46408, or call 219-981-4356.
