DT News - Canada - Bright Dental: Doing well by doing good

Robert Selleck, Dental Tribune Canada

Thu. 19 December 2013

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ST. ALBERT, Alberta, Canada: A couple of years ago, a school in St. Albert, Alberta, called Bright Dental with an unusual request: A student desperately needed dental work, but the family couldn’t afford it. The school was trying to find help. Bright Dental owner Frank Neves, DDS, immediately agreed to treat the child. But the impact of that phone call didn’t end there.

The experience prompted not just Neves, but his associate Christina Matrangolo, DDS, and the entire office staff to realize that their community of 60,000 likely had many others who were in need of care but unable to afford it.

The practice picked a Sunday in August to open its doors to the underserved for a day of free dental work. Nobody on staff would be paid, and donations were sought from some of the office’s equipment suppliers. Several community service organizations were notified of the event.

Employees were advised that participation was strictly voluntary, but when Sunday morning rolled around, the practice’s entire 15-person staff was on hand, ready to put in a full day’s work.

By day’s end, 30 patients had been seen, mainly for overdue check-ups, cleanings and fillings. Only urgent and immediate care could be provided, but nobody was turned away. In total, Office Manager Brandi Sliwa said the practice provided more than $22,000 in services. This past August, the practice held its second free day — and the first person seeking help was in line at 4 a.m.

A Sunday in August 2014 is already marked on the office’s scheduling calendar.

Neves, Matrangolo and the rest of the staff of Bright Dental are among the many people associated with Henry Schein Canada who are driven by the philosophy of “doing well by doing good.” It’s in that spirit that the company recently introduced its Calendar of Caring to spotlight the many charitable programs it supports. The initiative also gives Henry Schein customers the opportunity to contribute a portion of their purchases to help the charitable causes that Henry Schein supports.

This extra support expands the help the company provides and, in appreciation, participating customers receive a plaque that can be displayed in the office.

At Henry Schein, according to the company, “giving back” happens 365 days a year, and the Calendar of Caring initiative opens the door to expanding the help the company is able to provide.

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