Join the Michigan Dental Association Foundation as We Support the 2013 Michigan Mission of Mercy!

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1 The Philanthropic Leader of Michigan s Oral Health Community Spring 2013 Volume 8 Issue 1 Join the Michigan Dental Association Foundation as We Support the 2013 Michigan Mission of Mercy! The Michigan Dental Association Foundation and the Michigan Dental Association are teaming up to host the first-ever Mission of Mercy program in our state. It s coming up soon Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, 2013, at the Ryder Center on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. Patient care will be provided June 7 and 8. This massive undertaking will be the largest, most comprehensive dental access event to date in Michigan. one example where Michigan dentistry is really coming through for our most vulnerable citizens, Jennings said. About 1,000 volunteers will be needed to serve patients, Jennings said. We re looking for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental lab technicians, office staff, dental students, and family and friends to help us, Jennings said. There s so much to be done, but I know we re going to get it done with the help of our fantastic dental community here in Michigan. Michigan s MOM will focus on: providing free access to dental care, while placing a high priority on patients suffering from dental infections or pain; providing a supportive environment for those whose fears have kept them from seeking dental care; patient education to help patients understand the importance of good daily oral hygiene practices, healthy diet and routine preventive dental care; About 1,000 patients each day will be treated at the Mission of Mercy event, or MOM. Care will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Both adults and children will be treated, and patient education will be a top priority. Dental services that will be provided include gross debridement and prophylaxis, amalgams, composites, extractions, limited endodontics, and treatment partials. The Michigan Dental Association Foundation is proud to be an integral part of the Michigan Mission of Mercy program, said Foundation President Dr. Mike Jennings, of Grosse Pointe. We all hear so much about access to care, and we hear a lot of people talk about it, but here s raising public awareness of the increasing difficulty low-income adults and children face in accessing critical dental care; and creating oral health care advocates via the hundreds of lay volunteers participating in the event. Dr. Connie Verhagen, immediate past MDA president, is serving as vice-chair of this year s MOM. She explains what a MOM is like: We ll see patients lining up through the night, waiting for the doors to open at 5 a.m. They ll be brought in, 30 Continued on page 3

2 From the President Come See Us at the MDA Annual Session While you re attending the MDA Annual Session in Novi this month, be sure to stop by the Dr. Michael Jennings Michigan Dental Association Foundation booth, located right in the registration area. We would be glad to tell you about all the great things that are going on with your Foundation. For instance, we ve recently increased the monies available in our grant program by a third. We ve seen a great response to our veteran outreach program. We ve begun a dental education initiative with the Delta Dental Foundation. And of course, the Michigan Mission of Mercy project is right around the corner. Enthusiasm is running high for that, too. I m pleased to report that our Planned Giving Program, a meaningful way for individuals to leave a legacy, has seen two additional Legacy Level donations this year. And, our Inner Circle of Giving has continued to grow each year, not only through increased participation, but by continuing to add new members. These programs are the lifeblood of an organization. All this activity takes not only planning, but funding and participation by those with a passion for any of our Foundation areas. Maybe that person is you. We would welcome more volunteers. Please contact any one of our board members to see what opportunities are available. Our annual Foundation Car/Vacation Raffle is in full swing, so buy those raffle tickets now, either online or at the Annual Session. And don t forget our upcoming golf outing at the University of Michigan Golf Course in Ann Arbor on May 10. Come see us at Annual Session and let s catch up. Or, visit us online at We must, as a profession, speak for those who cannot. Your tax-deductible donation will allow the Foundation to continue its charitable activities on behalf of Michigan dentistry. Thank you for your support. Foundation Joins Students at Halloween Boo Bash; More than 600 Oral Hygiene Kits Distributed The annual Boo Bash at Ann Arbor s Briarwood Mall was a hit yet again this year, thanks to the support of University of Michigan students and the Michigan Dental Association Foundation! The students, members of the U-M student chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, partnered with the Foundation to distribute more than 600 children s oral hygiene kits. The kids included an age-appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, and oral hygiene instruction bookmarks. It was an honor to not only educate children on proper brushing techniques, but also to educate parents on their children s oral health needs. We hope to continue pursuing our educational efforts and goals as a pediatric dentistry-focused student group. The dental students used models to demonstrate brushing techniques, and discussed important oral hygiene and nutrition to the parents. The students also provided kids with pictures of the tooth fairy or a toothbrush to color. It s amazing how many parents did not know when to first take their children to the dentist, said Raya Abu-Zahra, president of the AAPD University of Michigan Student Chapter. It was an honor to not only educate children on proper brushing techniques, but also to educate parents on their children s oral health needs. We hope to continue pursuing our educational efforts and goals as a pediatric dentistry-focused student group. The U-M Chapter of AAPD also visits local elementary schools to provide fun educational oral hygiene presentations. Elementary students are taught proper ways to brush and floss, the proper times to do so, how to prevent cavities from forming, proper nutrition to help prevent cavities, and how often to visit a dentist. 2

3 MOM... continued at a time, into a patient registration area, where they ll be given patient education information and where we ll gather a health history. Then they ll go through medical triage to make sure they can be treated at the clinic, and then dental triage, in order to identify the chief complaint or most urgent need. Verhagen said not every need can be met in a volunteer event such as this, but there s much that can be done. Patients will be seen in six clinic areas, including oral surgery, restorative, endodontic, pediatric, prosthodontic and hygiene. The goal is to provide treatment that can be completed in 45 minutes. The MOM will include an in-house pharmacy for pain management, and every patient will also be given post-op instructions, an oral health kit, and a survey. Also included will be information on services and clinics throughout Michigan where patients can seek care.other areas in the clinic will provide support to the providers, including sterilization, an on-site dental supply booth, and more. There will also be an on-site dental laboratory. Join us for Michigan s first Mission of Mercy event by volunteering your time, talents and resources. Your generosity will provide dental care to countless lowincome patients who would otherwise be unable to receive treatment and who are oftentimes living with chronic pain and embarrassment. Thanks to Wisconsin Dental Association for MOM photos from 2010, 2012 To volunteer: Visit the MDA Foundation website for complete details about volunteer positions available at this year s Michigan Mission of Mercy. The MOM is a great way for you and your dental team to make a big difference in the lives of patients who really need your help. Visit to find volunteer job descriptions, volunteering information, housing information, and a donation form. To make a donation: If your schedule does not permit you to volunteer this year, please consider a tax-deductible financial donation. You can donate online at www. smilemichigan.com/foundation. Checks should be made out to Michigan Dental Association Foundation and mailed to Attention: MOM, MDA Foundation, 3657 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI Great Give Kids A Smile Events The Michigan Dental Association Foundation has once again participated in the annual Give Kids a Smile Day at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The Foundation donated dental oral health kits, which included a child s toothbrush, toothpaste, oral health tips and technique bookmarks, all packaged in a durable plastic zippered case. Patients arrived early for the event despite the snowfall. There were 27 patients seen by dentists, specialists, dental, dental hygiene and pre-dental students. Prophylaxis, oral hygiene instruction, sealants, amalgam, composite and stainless steel crowns were many of the services provided to the children. Whitney Yahn and Raya Right: (L to R) DH3 students Cassy Mioduszewski and Nicole Schneider with a young patient 3 Mission of Mercy Volunteer Positions Whether you re a caring dental professional or just a caring individual, there are numerous opportunities for you to volunteer at the MDA Mission of Mercy. Who should volunteer? Here s a listing of the types of individuals we need: General Dentists Dental Specialists Dental Assistants Dental Hygienists Dental Equipment Technicians Dental Students Front Office Staff Billing Clerks X-ray Technicians Hygiene/Assisting Students Pharmacists/Pharmacy Technician/ Pharmacy Students Physicians, Physician Assistants Registered Nurses, LPNs or Nursing Students General Volunteers For more information visit or see the March 2013 MDA Journal. continued on page 4

4 Michigan Dental Association Foundation Awards Four New Scholarships The Michigan Dental Association Foundation has awarded four scholarships to dental and dental assisting students for the academic year. The newly awarded scholarships total $3,000 and add to the $115,000 in student scholarships awarded by the Foundation since This year s scholarship winners are: Emily Kennedy a senior dental student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, who received $1,000 Emily Smajda a dental hygiene student at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, who received $500 Alejandra Mejia a second-year dental hygiene student at Baker College of Port Huron, who received $1,000 Keri Slane a senior dental hygiene student at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, who received $500 The Foundation scholarships will come in handy for all the students and they re all very appreciative of the Foundation s support. The Michigan Dental Association Foundation scholarship has strengthened my confidence in my achievements and success at the dental school, said dental student Emily Kennedy, whose father is also a dentist. Financially, it s very helpful to be able to have money to begin to pay back the accrued interest on my student loans, but more than anything, it s made me so proud of what I have helped to accomplish in my four years. Alejandra Mejia described the scholarship as a blessing. It s helped me to pay for my boards because I had to come up with the money on my own, she said. Hygiene student Emily Smajda said, I m extremely grateful for this scholarship. It s reassuring to be recognized for such an honor, because it reminds me that hard work pays off! The MDA Foundation awards scholarships through its Robert D. Mitus Scholarship and MDA Insurance & Financial Group Scholarship funds. To contribute to the scholarship funds, or to set up a scholarship program to assist future dental professionals in Michigan, contact the Foundation s Lori Kleinfelt at , ext. 406, or at lkleinfelt@michigandental.org. More online! Read more about this year s Foundation scholarship recipients online at com/foundation for more about this year s Foundation scholarship recipients, including their inspiring personal stories. Give Kids A Smle... continued Abu-Zahra, 2013 GKAS co-coordinators for the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, said, We are proud of the care that our volunteers provided this year, and we are already looking forward to next year s Give Kids a Smile! The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry also teamed up with the Michigan Dental Association Foundation for its Give Kids a Smile Day. The MDA Foundation provided oral health kits and oral hygiene book marks. We had a very successful day where 60 patients were provided pediatric treatment, preventative and operative, said Dr. Curt Ralstrom, a volunteer and a Foundation board member. Left: Dr. Salwa Atwan, chairperson, pediatric dentistry at UDM, and Dr. Curt Ralstrom at the UDM Give Kids a Smile Day. 4

5 Former President Paler Makes a Planned Giving Gift to Foundation The Michigan Dental Association Foundation recently received a generous bequest from Dr. Ron Paler, of Brighton, who served as president of the Foundation from 2002 until The bequest is part of the Foundation s planned giving program. Paler served as Foundation scholarship chair from , as vice-president from , and remains on the Foundation board. The donation is no surprise, really. Dr. Paler explains his gift this way to him, it s part of being a volunteer. In fact, he s dedicated much of his professional life to volunteering. Volunteering is a sign that one cares. What better way to show that you care than create an organization dedicated to provide the means of supporting programs that can deliver dentistry to those unable to access dental care? I was there when the groundwork for the Michigan Dental Association Foundation was being developed in 1998 and I jumped at the chance to help get it started, Paler recalls. The Michigan Dental Association Foundation is the best vehicle to deliver and support dental programs because it has a strong ethical commitment to the people of the state of Michigan and to its financial supporters. This commitment is an assurance that the Foundation will uphold the professional standards set by its parent, the Michigan Dental Association, and will do its work in a concerned and compassionate way. Paler says he d like to see the Foundation aid local efforts to extend primary care and address the causes of poor oral health. Two great examples of this are local efforts by the likes of the VINA Clinic in Livingston County and the Calhoun County Dentists Partnership Program and others, Paler said. They don t receive federal or state funds, but are supported by the volunteers from the local dental society and the community. He adds: I feel that being able to provide dental care to the less fortunate is a gift every dentist can provide. The challenge is being helpful in a meaningful way. You don t have to go abroad to make a difference. There s so much work to be done locally. However, as individuals we can t do it alone. If we work together we can accomplish much more. This is why it s important that we all join and support the MDA Foundation. Not surprisingly, Paler encourages others to consider making a lasting legacy to the Foundation and remember the Foundation in their estate planning. I would hope that others would recognize the need to support the Foundation. It s the best way to leverage a donation to an organization dedicated to improving the oral health of the people of the state of Michigan, he says. And the future looks bright. Paler sees the Foundation growing more vibrant and financially secure every year, thanks to support from Michigan s dental community. Greater income will enhance the Foundation s ability to develop additional dental humanitarian programs similar to the 2013 Mission of Mercy Project, Give Kids a Smile, and the Old Newsboys Goodfellow programs on an annual basis in various areas throughout Michigan. The Foundation will be a stronger, larger, more diverse, organization and an important asset to the MDA, Paler says. It s a bold vision and one that can happen with the dedication of leaders like Dr. Ron Paler. It can also only happen with the continued strong support of Michigan dentists and corporate support. Paler concludes: The future is bright, the road is long, and the planning needs to take place now, so that we can secure our mission and implement our programs. But it can only be done if we take the steps and plan for our future. More online! For more information on estate planning, gifts, bequests, and legacy giving to the Foundation, visit Michigan Dental Association Foundation Taking Applications for Grants Michigan Dental Association Foundation grant applications for 2013 are now available for both oral health education projects and access to care projects located in the state of Michigan. The deadline for grant requests is June 1, Proposals must be submitted either by accredited educational institutions or by non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 status. Applicants must be located within the state of Michigan, as must the proposed activity. Applicants must provide a formal request detailing their needs and program goals as well as report on their results midway through the project and at the completion of the project. Guidelines for submitting a grant and the application are conveniently available for download at 5

6 Board of Directors President Michael D. Jennings, DDS Vice President Susan Carron, DDS, MS Secretary, Editor Grace Curcuru, DDS Treasurer Cameron Elrod MDA Members Samuel Daniels, DDS, MS George Goodis, DDS, MS Jeffery Halvorson, DDS, MS Curt Ralstrom, DDS, MS Donald B. Smith, DDS, MS Community-at-Large Jill Loewen, CDA, RDA, MS Joan McGowan Schmerl, PhD Kathy Mielke, RDH Michigan Dental Hygienists Assn. Mark J. Stephens Kris Nicholoff Brian Stump MDA Controller Lori Kleinfelt Foundation Administrator Tom Goodsell, DDS MDA Board Liason The Michigan Dental Association Board of Trustees established the Michigan Dental Association Foundation in 1998 to serve as the MDA s philanthropic arm. The Foundation is also supported by the Michigan Dental Assistants Association and the Michigan Dental Hygienists Association. Highlights is published three times a year by the Michigan Dental Association Foundation. Michigan Dental Association Foundation 3657 Okemos Road, Suite 200 Okemos, Michigan Copyright 2013 Michigan Dental Association Foundation Inner Circle Recognition List Legacy Donors Lisa Sostecke, DDS Megan Uday Diamond Circle $1,500 and up Larry Marcotte, DDS, MS Scott Hodges, DDS, MS, and Mary Hodges Platinum Circle $1,000 to $1,499 George Bletsas, DDS Susan Carron, DDS, MS Jeff Johnston, DDS, MS Connie Verhagen, DDS, MS Gold Circle $500 to $999 Richard Brodoski, DDS Thomas Goodsell, DDS Michael Jennings, DDS Ghabi Kaspo, DDS Martin Makowski, DDS Larry Marcotte DDS, MS Curt Ralstrom, DDS, MS Silver Circle $200 to $499 Gerald Crane, DDS Paula Druskins-Haddad, DDS Wilbert Fletke, DDS John V. Hinterman, DDS Joseph Lepak, DDS Dale Nester, DDS Debra Peters, DDS Clayton Shunk, DDS Robert Tremblay, DDS Timothy Zielinski, DDS Bronze Circle $100-$199 Leonard Bartoszewicz Jr., DDS David Borlas, DDS Grace Curcuru, DDS Joanne Dawley, DDS Drew Eason Daniel Edwards, DDS Dennis Laurich, DDS Jill Loewen, RDA, MS Scott Meldrum, DDS Kris Overly, DDS Robert Richards, DDS Norman Schuen, DDS, MS Mark Stephens Michael Sullivan, DDS Truman Strong Jr., DDS Lorie Thomas, RDH Alexa Vitek, DDS Kyle Vonk, DDS Shawn Zimmer, DDS General Contributors/ Uday Access Fund/ Cherney Access Fund Frank & Gertrude Dunlap Fund Daniel Edwards, DDS Michigan Dental Hygienists Association Megan Uday Memorials in memory of Harvey Beaver Tee it up FORE a Good Cause with Friends Annual Golf Outing The University of Michigan Golf Course Ann Arbor Friday, May 10, 2013 Cost: $175 per person / $700 a foursome 18 Holes, Cart, Breakfast, Lunch & Prizes Funds raised will go toward Scholarships, Access to Care Grants and Oral Health Initiatives 6