How dentistry has responded to Russia's attack on Ukraine

As Russia's invasion into Ukraine hits the one-month mark, many dental businesses and organizations have taken actions against the war and to support civilians in the crossfire. Some organizations have stopped doing business in Russia, while others are sending donations and supplies to Poland and Ukraine.

Among dental businesses, 3M, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of dental and orthodontic products, has thus far taken the strongest stance against Russia. The company has suspended operations in the country, according to a running list of companies published by Yale University's School of Management.

The list shows the following dental companies have taken other actions:

• Unilever, the maker of oral hygiene products, including Pepsodent and Aim toothpastes, has suspended new investments but not domestic operations in Russia.
• Johnson & Johnson, which sells Listerine, has paused patient enrollment in ongoing trials in Russia.
• GlaxoSmithKline, which sells Sensodyne toothpaste, has suspended advertising and new clinical trials in Russia.
• Colgate-Palmolive will continue selling essential health and hygiene products in Russia.

Additionally, North Carolina-based pharmaceutical company Balanced Pharma announced that it will not do business with Russian entities or affiliates as it establishes key partnerships and global marketing operations. The company has created a standard syringe anesthesia cartridge for use in dental procedures; however, it is not yet for sale because it remains in development.

"Balanced Pharma applauds the brave citizens of Ukraine and all who fight for freedom, and we join the international community in doing our part to discourage Vladimir Putin's criminal actions, which are an assault on worldwide freedom, stability, and human rights," Dr. Scott Keadle, the founder and CEO of Balanced Pharma, said in a company release.

Furthermore, the Switzerland-based oral health company Sunstar Group has donated more than 55,000 oral care products to the Polish Red Cross, which is helping refugees from the Ukraine. Another 25,000 toothbrushes and toothpastes will be delivered in the coming weeks, Sunstar said. Additionally, Sunstar has pledged a 100% match to employee donations made to aid organizations in Europe.

Dental organizations respond to the crisis

It isn't just companies that have responded to the ongoing crisis. The FDI World Dental Federation expressed its deep concerns about the war in Ukraine and has called for the international principle of medical neutrality and human rights to be upheld and respected.

The federation stressed that the protection of healthcare workers, including dentists and dental teams, must be ensured. Healthcare workers should not be prevented from performing their professional duties and doing so clearly violates international law, in particular the Geneva Convention and its additional protocols, according to the dental organization.

"In times of armed conflicts and civil unrest, medical services must be permitted to continue without any interference," FDI President Ihsane Ben Yahya, said in a federation release. "FDI calls for healthcare providers, such as dentists and dental teams to be able to continue their duty of care safely. ... My deepest thoughts and prayers are with my Ukrainian colleagues with whom I stand in solidarity."

In addition, Chicago Dental Society members Drs. Andrew and Taisa Browar are collecting supplies for oral surgeons in the Ukraine, citing a great need for supplies and equipment for cranio-maxillofacial trauma patients.

Oral surgeons primarily need titanium miniplates and screws in sizes 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 for upper/midface reconstruction, reconstruction plates and screws in sizes 2.3 and 2.7, titanium mesh, and 15 drill motors. Other needs can be found here.

As of March 18, more than 10 tons of materials were awaiting shipment to Poland, the dentists reported. Once there, the nonprofit foundation of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA) will distribute it to hospitals in the Ukraine, according to the Chicago Dental Society. Donations may be made directly to UMANA or by contacting Dr. Andrew Browar at 630-476-3737.

The article is based on DrBicuspid.com research of readily available public information and press releases our editors have received. If you have information you think should be included, please contact our editorial team.