Leaders of the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program gather at the White House
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Clinical Assistant Professor and Group Practice Leader in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. David Dano recently visited the White House through his involvement with the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, the oldest Jewish dental and medical organization in the world. In response to Vice President Joe Biden’s call to action to help Holocaust survivors—at least 25 percent of which are living in poverty in the US—the organization partnered with Henry Shein, Inc., a worldwide distributor of dental and medical supplies, to launch the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program. The three-year pilot initiative will provide free dental care to survivors who’ve been identified as economically vulnerable by social services.
Currently, Dano is the Alpha Omega Faculty Advisor for Boston University, a board member of Alpha Omega International, and the Young Alumni Director. With three dental schools in Boston, the city’s Alpha Omega chapter is strong. Now, Dano will also be a Boston Ambassador to the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program along with Murray Miller ORTHO 83. Together, they will serve as liaisons between social services and volunteer dentists. During the first year of the program, 20 to 30 Boston-area Holocaust survivors in need will receive pro-bono dental care, while 250 to 300 will benefit nationwide.
“Alpha Omega embraces the spirit of Tikkun Olam, or healing the world through charitable endeavors,” said Dano. “By being part of Alpha Omega, each of us has the ability to make a real difference in our everyday practice, our community and our profession. The Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program is such a worthy cause; we are hoping that more dentists will join us in improving the function and quality of life of those in need.”
“I’m so proud that Drs. Dano and Miller are Boston Ambassadors to the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “The program’s mission is very admirable and I hope the pilot year is a great success.”
At the White House gathering, the discussion revolved around how the program will proceed in the nine pilot cities. International President of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Dr. Avi Wurman, Alpha Omega city ambassadors, and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. Stanley Bergman were joined by government officials including Special Envoy for US Holocaust Survivor Services Aviva Sufian, Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation in the Domestic Policy Council Jonathan Greenblatt, and Director of Outreach of the National Security Council Matt Nosanchuk.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Dr. Dano by email at danod@bu.edu. For further information about Alpha Omega or the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program, call Dr. Murray Miller at 617-527-5965 or visit www.AO.org.