Holocaust survivors to receive free dental care in 9 cities

Henry Schein Cares and the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity have launched the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.

The program was created in response to the White House's call to action to help Holocaust survivors in the U.S. age with dignity and support. The value of the dental care to be provided during the first year of this program is estimated to be about $1 million, according to the organizations.

The program is a pilot three-year initiative that will provide free dental care to 250 to 300 Holocaust survivors across nine North American metropolitan areas in the first year. The program will start in January 2015 in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, Philadelphia, Seattle, Montreal, and Toronto.

The program will focus on providing care for the most economically vulnerable Holocaust survivors who are served by the network of Jewish Family and Children's Service agencies or other identified partner organizations, as well as individuals of any faith who were victims of Nazi persecution and meet the other eligibility requirements of the program. In addition to financial need, the three critical factors in prioritizing patients for participation will be elimination of pain, restoring function, and lack of dental coverage. A clear set of clinical guidelines will direct the specific scope of care to be provided through this program.

"Henry Schein and Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity firmly believe that there is an important opportunity for the creation of an innovative public-private partnership to improve the lives of this most deserving and vulnerable population," stated Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein, in a press release. "We are honored to answer the White House's call to action, and hope that the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program will serve as a model for how other private and public sector actors can partner to help survivors age in the comfort and dignity they deserve."

Please click here to view a video about the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.