Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM), established in 2016 as the nation’s newest dental school, has announced a significant partnership with the Alpha Omega-henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program. This vital public-private collaboration is dedicated to improving access to crucial oral healthcare for underserved Holocaust survivors, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life. The program is a joint initiative sponsored by Henry Schein, Inc., a leading global provider of healthcare solutions for dental and medical professionals, and the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity (AO), the world’s oldest international Jewish dental and medical organization.
Touro Dental Health, TCDM’s expansive 109-chair clinical training facility located at New York Medical College in Hawthorne, NY, will serve as a key site for providing dental services under this program. The Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program is currently active in 22 cities across North America and includes five dental schools, now encompassing TCDM. Over 500 dentists, inspired by AO’s mission of healing the world, contribute their expertise to this impactful initiative.
Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein, emphasized the importance of this new alliance: “Henry Schein is delighted to welcome Touro College of Dental Medicine, its esteemed faculty, and dedicated students into our collective endeavor to deliver essential oral healthcare to Holocaust survivors. It is particularly inspiring to witness the next generation of dental professionals gaining a deeper appreciation for the profound difference their skills can make in the lives of those in need. We are committed to supporting their efforts in serving this exceptionally deserving population.”
Statistics from The Blue Card reveal that nearly one-third of Holocaust survivors in the United States live at or below the poverty line. Many of these individuals have unique oral health challenges stemming from limited or nonexistent dental care during their childhood experiences in World War II. In 2018, it was estimated that 45,252 Holocaust survivors resided in the NYC Metropolitan area, with approximately 40% living in poverty, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and affordable dental care within this community.
Dean Ronnie Myers, D.D.S. of TCDM, explained the school’s commitment: “As the only dental school outside of Israel operating under Jewish auspices, TCDM is uniquely positioned to address the needs of this population. Our dedication to enhancing oral health in the Hudson Valley region aligns perfectly with our broader mission to uphold Jewish heritage and contribute to society. Integrating the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program into our services not only offers a critical resource for participating survivors but also provides invaluable educational opportunities for our students. We continuously seek avenues for our students to engage in community service, fostering a sense of giving back and instilling a patient-centered approach focused on empathy and holistic care. This partnership exemplifies TCDM’s commitment to positively impacting our community, students, and patients by ensuring access to high-quality oral health services for those with the greatest need.”
Launched in 2015 in direct response to the White House’s call to action to support vulnerable survivors in aging with dignity, the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program offers pro-bono dental care to the most financially vulnerable Holocaust survivors. This extends to individuals of all faiths who endured Nazi persecution and meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Since its inception, the program has delivered over $2.7 million worth of essential, free dental care to more than 1,500 economically disadvantaged Holocaust survivors across North America.
Dr. Gary Scharoff, D.D.S., Past International Secretary at Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, immediate past president of the Ninth District Dental Association, and TCDM’s program liaison, expressed his enthusiasm: “Alpha Omega is thrilled to welcome Touro College of Dental Medicine as the fifth dental school to join this program. TCDM’s participation will be immensely beneficial to Holocaust survivors in New York’s lower Hudson Valley. Touro shares our dedication to providing expert dental care and restoring smiles for this deserving population.”
A key aspect of this partnership involves creating enriched educational experiences for TCDM students, enabling them to meet, interact with, and learn firsthand accounts from Holocaust survivors. Through this collaboration with the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program, Touro Dental Health has already begun providing care to numerous patients, solidifying its commitment to this vital community service initiative.
