Henry Schein donates $50,000 in oral health product, equipment and transportation to support 2016 TeamSmile Programmes throughout the US
Henry Schein, Inc. announced its continued support of TeamSmile as the non-profit organisation launches its tenth year of partnering with sports teams and volunteers to provide free oral health care to children in need. Since its inception in 2006, TeamSmile has provided more than $8 million in dental and preventive services to more than 18,000 children.
Throughout 2016, nearly 7,000 children are expected to receive free oral health treatment, including preventive care and education, fillings, sealants and extractions at TeamSmile programmes. Children will be welcomed by professional athletes, cheerleaders and mascots, and receive treatment from volunteer dentists, hygienists and dental assistants. TeamSmile programmes will take place at sports stadiums and practice facilities for a number of teams across the country.
TeamSmile’s spring/summer roster includes:
- Sporting KC – May 13
- Cleveland Indians – June 29
- Kansas City Royals – July 15
- Pittsburgh Pirates – July 18
- Milwaukee Brewers – August 2
Additional programmes with professional and college sports teams will be scheduled throughout the year.
In support of the 2016 TeamSmile programmes, Henry Schein is donating $50,000 in dental supplies and equipment, as well as transportation of all equipment and materials to and from programme sites. The donation is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global social responsibility programme, which has supported TeamSmile since its creation. Henry Schein’s relationship with the organisation stems from Team Schein Member Jason Krause, who co-founded the organisation with William Busch, DDS, MAGD, North Kansas City Dental Group, and Dustin Colquitt, Pro-Bowl Punter for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“TeamSmile and Henry Schein have been partners from the start, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that children in need have access to quality oral health care,” said Mr. Jason Krause, Director of Group Practice, Henry Schein Dental. “Our company is proud to work with an organisation that has found a unique way to inspire, heal and put smiles on the faces of thousands of children.”
The co-founders spurred TeamSmile’s growth by working with Henry Schein supplier partners and Team Schein Members to help secure necessary equipment donations and volunteers. “We started TeamSmile not only to provide oral healthcare to children who may not otherwise be treated, but also to inspire children to take care of their teeth and feel comfortable at the dentist,” said Dr. Busch. “Athletes are like heroes to many children, and we are so grateful to the players who come out to be the role models for a healthy lifestyle, starting with oral health.”
“I congratulate everyone who has spent these past ten years working to make oral healthcare more accessible for children by alleviating both their fears of dental treatment and their families’ financial burden,” said Ms. Lezlie Doyle, newly appointed Executive Director for TeamSmile. “TeamSmile is grateful to have Henry Schein as a partner that shares our values and makes our mission all the more achievable through its generosity.”
