FROM OUR SUPPORTERS
ORAL HEALTH AMERICA BRINGING HEALTHY MOUTHS TO LIFE
“Institutions of higher learning must constantly evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing global community.
SPRING 2010
The support of Oral Health America enables the University to sponsor programs and initiatives that help infuse the world with new ideas and innovative scholarship. Our reputation as a premier international research institution is enhanced by your generosity, and I thank Oral Health America for being an active partner in our success.”
- John Sexton, President, New York University New York University College of Dentistry at health fair in lower Manhattan
“DENTSPLY recognizes that not every person is able to visit a dental office and receive the dental care that they need. Partnering with the OHA Healthy Mouths for Healthy Lives campaign offers an opportunity for DENTSPLY to share our resources with an organization that truly makes a difference and improves oral health across America. Linda Niessen, DMD, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, DENTSPLY
NONPROFIT U.S.POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO, IL PERMIT NO. 7228
410 Nor th Michigan Ave. Ste. 352 Chicago, Illinois 60611-42111
bringing healthy mouths to life spring Newsletter donate now at www.oralhealthamerica.org
Focus on Medical Dental Dialogues Oral Health America’s Medical Dental
research and public policy by focusing on
Dialogues provide a platform for
critical issues requiring a multi-disciplinary
medical and dental health professionals
approach. This year’s focus will be Diabetes.
to share knowledge and treatment
“We believe that the integration of medical and
protocols for systemic diseases related
dental care will improve patient outcomes and
to diseases of the mouth.
the quality of health care delivery services,” said
“In our practices, we know that the oral
at Aetna, which has provided support for the
systemic link is important, and yet we have
program since its inception. “Getting physicians
limited ability to communicate with patients
to the table with dentists to discuss the
about it,” said Tony Stefanou, DMD, Associate
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and
Director of External Relations, Oral Health
systemic disease is a first step towards disease
America. “Compounding that challenge is
co-management.”
that there is minimal collaboration between medical and dental professionals. We are particularly excited about bringing our health care communities together to work towards a future where patient care is co-managed by care
Mary Lee Conicella, DMD, Chief Dental Officer
To reach to the broadest audience possible Medical Dental Dialogues begins with a live
-Ralph Fucillo, President, DentaQuest Foundation
Symposium and is distributed through multiple media to professionals and the public. Thanks to a grant from DentaQuest Foundation,
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
providers in clinical and office settings.”
Oral Health America is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Medical Dental Dialogues is co-sponsored with
Dialogue, Collaborative Health Care for Older
the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS)
Adults, are now online at the New York Academy
donate today at
and leading academic medical and dental
of Sciences web site. To access the multimedia
institutions. The program targets health care
presentations of speakers’ slides and audio,
professionals in private practice, academia,
visit http://www.nyas.org/collaborative.
www.oralhealthamerica.org
“The DentaQuest Foundation and OHA share the common goal of developing a professional model that encourages medical and dental professionals to work together in providing preventive oral health care to underserved populations.”
eBriefings from OHA’s 2009 Medical Dental
Medical Dental Dialogues was formerly commissioned by the National Periodontal Disease Coalition, co-sponsored by NYAS and Columbia University.
For more information, or to be added to the mailing list for our Medical Dental Dialogues, email Amanda Ciatti, amanda@ oralhealthamerica.org, or call (312) 836-9900.
oralhealthamerica.org
Please join OHA’s efforts to improve the oral health of the American public. Dear Friends of Oral Health America, As Oral Health America implements Phase Two of our strategic plan, we thank partners
OHA raised $1.8 million in 2009!
and colleagues whose ideas helped us to be in a new and energetic place in our history.
72 cents of every $1.00 went to OHA’s
Our mission, focused on “connecting communities with resources” better reflects our
programs. Thanks -- we couldn’t have
role in providing access, education and advocacy, especially for those who are most
done it without you!
vulnerable. OHA’s new logo signals our forward movement. The lively figure’s “starry”
US states. The Wisdom Tooth Project will address a growing crisis among older
OHA kicks off our 2010 Annual Fund Campaign in April. Please help us to raise $2 Million to change the lives of vulnerable children, seniors and others
adults, with one-third of 65-74 year olds showing signs of untreated tooth decay!
who need our energy and voice.
mouth speaks to our lasting commitment to change lives by actively promoting the link between “mouth health” and overall health through our five programs. Smiles Across America® will reach over 250,000 children in one out of every four
NSTEP will reach out to youth through Little League Baseball to educate about the dangers of smokeless and spit tobacco. Medical Dental Dialogues will promote collaboration between medical and dental professionals in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. And the Campaign for Oral Health Parity will engage the public to speak up for oral health and rightly prioritize conditions of the mouth alongside other serious medical conditions.
With gratitude for your continued support,
OHA’S 20TH ANNUAL GALA Oral Health America’s 20th Annual Benefit & Gala held on February 24, 2010 at Chicago’s Historic Union Station raised over $400,000 for OHA’s programs that bring healthy mouths to life. This is the highest amount in the Gala’s 20-year history! The highlight of the event’s program was the debut of a video that illustrated the impact of OHA’s Smiles Across America® program. You can view this video on our website at www.oralhealthamerica.org.
oha facts Oral Heath America is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 and located in Chicago. Our mission is to change lives by connecting communities with resources to increase access to care, education, and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable. • Access: OHA affords oral disease prevention and oral health promotion for Americans of all ages through funding, technical assistance, donated dental product, and by facilitating public-private partnerships. • Education: OHA’s messages to the American public center around self care, regular dental visits, tobacco cessation and healthy food choices, and routinely reach over 170 million people nationwide.
All gifts are needed and welcome; Oral Health America is a registered 501c3
• Advocacy: OHA encourages policies that create oral health equity for over 100 million Americans without dental insurance, and those who are unable to obtain
nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
dental care.
donate today: Please use the enclosed envelope or visit
www.oralhealthamerica.org
Support OHA eNews Sign up for OHA’s monthly eNewsletter at oralheathamerica.org
Smiles Across America® Impact Dr. Richard Meckstroth, OHA’s SAA partner in West Virginia, was recently chosen by OHA’s Board of Directors as the first recipient of the Robert J. Klaus Distinguished Achievement Award.
“Our Smiles Across America West Virginia partners have reported it is very rewarding to offer the exams, prophys and sealants to families who brought their children for emergent needs. This program has helped to establish a true dental home not only for the child but for the family” – Dr. Richard Meckstroth, Chairman of the Department of Dental Practice and Rural Health at West Virginia University School of Dentistry
OHA Honors Deamonte Driver Dental Project with saa grant The Robert T. Freeman Dental Society Foundation was the recipient in February of a $20,000 grant from Oral Health America (OHA) for the Deamonte Driver Dental Project (DDDP), a school-based community oral health initiative in Prince George’s County, MD. The grant is made possible through a $1.5 million, three-year commitment from Trident® gum to OHA’s Smiles Across America® program. “Dental care is an essential part of appropriate medical care,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) in a statement about the award. “In 2007, 12-year-old Deamonte Driver from Prince George’s County died from a brain infection caused by a tooth abscess. The death of a child from tooth decay is a national tragedy we must make sure never happens again.” “Because of the support from Oral Health America, the Deamonte Driver Dental Project will ensure that children in our community who are most vulnerable to dental disease will receive the care they so desperately need,” said Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD).”
Dr. Richard Meckstroth (upper left) with students at Special Olympics Special Smiles
Facebook Become a part of our Facebook community on-line and encourage your friends to
STAFF & BOARD UPDATES
become OHA “fans” too!
Oral Health America welcomes the following new members to its Board of Directors:
Steve Pollock, JD, President, DentaQuest
Follow OHA’s updates on Twitter @Smile4Health
LinkedIn Add Oral Health America to your professional connections
Robert Walker, Vice President and General Manger, OralDNA Labs, a Quest Diagnostics Company
United Way
Vickie Waitsman, Vice President- General Counsel, DentalEZ Group
Donate Online
Designate your United Way contribution to OHA
Visit oralheathamerica.org and donate today!
...and new staff members too! Anthony (Tony) Stefanou, DMD, Associate Director, External Affairs Amanda Ciatti, Manager, Program Research & Development Sheila Cotter, Database Associate Jennifer Gilbert, Communications Associate
o r a l h e a lt h a m e r i c a .o r g Oral Health America 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 352 | Chicago, IL 60611 T: (312) 836-9900 | F: (312) 836-9986
Please join OHA’s efforts to improve the oral health of the American public. Dear Friends of Oral Health America, As Oral Health America implements Phase Two of our strategic plan, we thank partners
OHA raised $1.8 million in 2009!
and colleagues whose ideas helped us to be in a new and energetic place in our history.
72 cents of every $1.00 went to OHA’s
Our mission, focused on “connecting communities with resources” better reflects our
programs. Thanks -- we couldn’t have
role in providing access, education and advocacy, especially for those who are most
done it without you!
vulnerable. OHA’s new logo signals our forward movement. The lively figure’s “starry”
US states. The Wisdom Tooth Project will address a growing crisis among older
OHA kicks off our 2010 Annual Fund Campaign in April. Please help us to raise $2 Million to change the lives of vulnerable children, seniors and others
adults, with one-third of 65-74 year olds showing signs of untreated tooth decay!
who need our energy and voice.
mouth speaks to our lasting commitment to change lives by actively promoting the link between “mouth health” and overall health through our five programs. Smiles Across America® will reach over 250,000 children in one out of every four
NSTEP will reach out to youth through Little League Baseball to educate about the dangers of smokeless and spit tobacco. Medical Dental Dialogues will promote collaboration between medical and dental professionals in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. And the Campaign for Oral Health Parity will engage the public to speak up for oral health and rightly prioritize conditions of the mouth alongside other serious medical conditions.
With gratitude for your continued support,
OHA’S 20TH ANNUAL GALA Oral Health America’s 20th Annual Benefit & Gala held on February 24, 2010 at Chicago’s Historic Union Station raised over $400,000 for OHA’s programs that bring healthy mouths to life. This is the highest amount in the Gala’s 20-year history! The highlight of the event’s program was the debut of a video that illustrated the impact of OHA’s Smiles Across America® program. You can view this video on our website at www.oralhealthamerica.org.
oha facts Oral Heath America is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 and located in Chicago. Our mission is to change lives by connecting communities with resources to increase access to care, education, and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable. • Access: OHA affords oral disease prevention and oral health promotion for Americans of all ages through funding, technical assistance, donated dental product, and by facilitating public-private partnerships. • Education: OHA’s messages to the American public center around self care, regular dental visits, tobacco cessation and healthy food choices, and routinely reach over 170 million people nationwide.
All gifts are needed and welcome; Oral Health America is a registered 501c3
• Advocacy: OHA encourages policies that create oral health equity for over 100 million Americans without dental insurance, and those who are unable to obtain
nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
dental care.
donate today: Please use the enclosed envelope or visit
www.oralhealthamerica.org
Support OHA eNews Sign up for OHA’s monthly eNewsletter at oralheathamerica.org
Smiles Across America® Impact Dr. Richard Meckstroth, OHA’s SAA partner in West Virginia, was recently chosen by OHA’s Board of Directors as the first recipient of the Robert J. Klaus Distinguished Achievement Award.
“Our Smiles Across America West Virginia partners have reported it is very rewarding to offer the exams, prophys and sealants to families who brought their children for emergent needs. This program has helped to establish a true dental home not only for the child but for the family” – Dr. Richard Meckstroth, Chairman of the Department of Dental Practice and Rural Health at West Virginia University School of Dentistry
OHA Honors Deamonte Driver Dental Project with saa grant The Robert T. Freeman Dental Society Foundation was the recipient in February of a $20,000 grant from Oral Health America (OHA) for the Deamonte Driver Dental Project (DDDP), a school-based community oral health initiative in Prince George’s County, MD. The grant is made possible through a $1.5 million, three-year commitment from Trident® gum to OHA’s Smiles Across America® program. “Dental care is an essential part of appropriate medical care,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) in a statement about the award. “In 2007, 12-year-old Deamonte Driver from Prince George’s County died from a brain infection caused by a tooth abscess. The death of a child from tooth decay is a national tragedy we must make sure never happens again.” “Because of the support from Oral Health America, the Deamonte Driver Dental Project will ensure that children in our community who are most vulnerable to dental disease will receive the care they so desperately need,” said Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD).”
Dr. Richard Meckstroth (upper left) with students at Special Olympics Special Smiles
Facebook Become a part of our Facebook community on-line and encourage your friends to
STAFF & BOARD UPDATES
become OHA “fans” too!
Oral Health America welcomes the following new members to its Board of Directors:
Steve Pollock, JD, President, DentaQuest
Follow OHA’s updates on Twitter @Smile4Health
LinkedIn Add Oral Health America to your professional connections
Robert Walker, Vice President and General Manger, OralDNA Labs, a Quest Diagnostics Company
United Way
Vickie Waitsman, Vice President- General Counsel, DentalEZ Group
Donate Online
Designate your United Way contribution to OHA
Visit oralheathamerica.org and donate today!
...and new staff members too! Anthony (Tony) Stefanou, DMD, Associate Director, External Affairs Amanda Ciatti, Manager, Program Research & Development Sheila Cotter, Database Associate Jennifer Gilbert, Communications Associate
o r a l h e a lt h a m e r i c a .o r g Oral Health America 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 352 | Chicago, IL 60611 T: (312) 836-9900 | F: (312) 836-9986
FROM OUR SUPPORTERS
ORAL HEALTH AMERICA BRINGING HEALTHY MOUTHS TO LIFE
“Institutions of higher learning must constantly evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing global community.
SPRING 2010
The support of Oral Health America enables the University to sponsor programs and initiatives that help infuse the world with new ideas and innovative scholarship. Our reputation as a premier international research institution is enhanced by your generosity, and I thank Oral Health America for being an active partner in our success.”
- John Sexton, President, New York University New York University College of Dentistry at health fair in lower Manhattan
“DENTSPLY recognizes that not every person is able to visit a dental office and receive the dental care that they need. Partnering with the OHA Healthy Mouths for Healthy Lives campaign offers an opportunity for DENTSPLY to share our resources with an organization that truly makes a difference and improves oral health across America. Linda Niessen, DMD, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, DENTSPLY
NONPROFIT U.S.POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO, IL PERMIT NO. 7228
410 Nor th Michigan Ave. Ste. 352 Chicago, Illinois 60611-42111
bringing healthy mouths to life spring Newsletter donate now at www.oralhealthamerica.org
Focus on Medical Dental Dialogues Oral Health America’s Medical Dental
research and public policy by focusing on
Dialogues provide a platform for
critical issues requiring a multi-disciplinary
medical and dental health professionals
approach. This year’s focus will be Diabetes.
to share knowledge and treatment
“We believe that the integration of medical and
protocols for systemic diseases related
dental care will improve patient outcomes and
to diseases of the mouth.
the quality of health care delivery services,” said
“In our practices, we know that the oral
at Aetna, which has provided support for the
systemic link is important, and yet we have
program since its inception. “Getting physicians
limited ability to communicate with patients
to the table with dentists to discuss the
about it,” said Tony Stefanou, DMD, Associate
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and
Director of External Relations, Oral Health
systemic disease is a first step towards disease
America. “Compounding that challenge is
co-management.”
that there is minimal collaboration between medical and dental professionals. We are particularly excited about bringing our health care communities together to work towards a future where patient care is co-managed by care
Mary Lee Conicella, DMD, Chief Dental Officer
To reach to the broadest audience possible Medical Dental Dialogues begins with a live
-Ralph Fucillo, President, DentaQuest Foundation
Symposium and is distributed through multiple media to professionals and the public. Thanks to a grant from DentaQuest Foundation,
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
providers in clinical and office settings.”
Oral Health America is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Medical Dental Dialogues is co-sponsored with
Dialogue, Collaborative Health Care for Older
the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS)
Adults, are now online at the New York Academy
donate today at
and leading academic medical and dental
of Sciences web site. To access the multimedia
institutions. The program targets health care
presentations of speakers’ slides and audio,
professionals in private practice, academia,
visit http://www.nyas.org/collaborative.
www.oralhealthamerica.org
“The DentaQuest Foundation and OHA share the common goal of developing a professional model that encourages medical and dental professionals to work together in providing preventive oral health care to underserved populations.”
eBriefings from OHA’s 2009 Medical Dental
Medical Dental Dialogues was formerly commissioned by the National Periodontal Disease Coalition, co-sponsored by NYAS and Columbia University.
For more information, or to be added to the mailing list for our Medical Dental Dialogues, email Amanda Ciatti, amanda@ oralhealthamerica.org, or call (312) 836-9900.
oralhealthamerica.org