Give Kids A Smile

2008 GIVE KIDS A SMILE

Date set for February 9, 2008 at University of New Haven Dental Hygiene School. Volunteers and donations needed. Contact Dr. Gerald Alexander @ 782-0677 or drgalexander@comcast.net or Dr. Gary Rappaport @ 795-4748 for more information.

On Saturday March 3, 2007, 21 dentists, 6 dental hygienists and 9 dental assistants and 30 dental hygiene students spent the day at the University of New Haven School of Dental Hygiene providing free dental care to nearly 100 children.  Their efforts were part of a statewide outreach program aimed to assist the underserved child population.

Dr. Gary Rappaport, chairman of the event, spearheaded the day at UNH. “We had fun and provided $ 30,000 of dental care. It was a rewarding experience.” Also active in planning the activity were: Dr. Gerald Alexander, president of the New Haven Dental Association; Sandy Palumbo RDH, director of the hygiene program at UNH; Dr. Jack Berns; and Sharon McCreven and Elaine Spinato of the New Haven Oral Health Coalition, the faculty at UNH School of Dental Hygiene and Mr. Mike Gantos from the Sullivan Schein Dental Supply Company.

“I’m so proud of my colleagues and appreciate the efforts of all who participated, “said Dr. Alexander. “ The event was such a positive experience that we may need to have a waiting list of volunteers for next year. The enthusiasm for the event was outstanding.” Plans for next year’s event are already underway.

Give Kids A Smile is an effort to reach some of the many underserved youth who could be served by the Husky program. Extremely low reimbursement rates have kept participation by CT dentists in Husky to a minimum. Currently the State Legislature is considering raising the rates to the 70^th percentile. “If that happens, we know that at least 400 additional dentists will sign up to participate in Husky,” said Dr. Berns. “The increased rates are long overdue, but a big step in the right direction.”

Others who participated in the event are:
Renee Prajer, R.D.H., faculty UNH school of Dental Hygiene
Gwen Grasso, R.D.H., faculty UNH school of Dental Hygiene
Teal Mercer, R.D.H., faculty UNH school of Dental Hygiene
Mark Kacerik, R.D.H., faculty UNH school of Dental Hygiene
Josie Ruiz Asst. . New Haven Oral Health Coalition
Nancy Eickmeyer Secretary UNH School of Dental Hygiene
Cheryl Cappello, CDA
Dr. David Becker
Sabina Wadolowski, CDA
Dr. Pamela Brown
Denise Garitta, CDA
Dr. James Casey
Dr. Richard Feingold
Lillian Robinson, CDA
Mr. Michael Gantos, Sales Rep. Sullivan Schein
Dr. Richmond Hung
Dr. Yiming King
Dr. Mark Lerman
Dr. Robert Lerman
Dr. Michael Margolies
Dr. James Mendillo
Ellen Fouser, CDA
Dr. Larry Messina
Dr. Douglas Muller
Rachel Schupp, CDA
Melanie Muller, CDA
Dr. Sheldon Natkin
Dr. Kevin O’Connell
Dr. James Quigley
Marie Louisgene,CDA
Dr. Gary Rappaport
Virginia Fortuna, CDA
Dr. Leonard Skope
Sullivan Schein Incorporated Dental Supply
Dr. Dr. Joseph Tagliarini
Dorothy Ney, CDA
Dr. Rod Steller

Jr. Level Dental Hygiene Students:
Maryanne Aluzzo
Kirsten Anderson
Stephanie Biondi
Marvalene Brooks
Elana Chambers
Janet Dexter
Jaclyn Dinda
Kristin Edgar
Amanda Johnson
Magda Kluzinkski
Sarah LeBlanc
Jessica Lippitt
Brescia Marcoux
Rose Merant
Alyssa Natalino
Sheetal Patel
Jessica Reder
Adriana Rodriquez
Amy Russell
Dawn Stone
Jacqueline Tyler
Allsion Urbach
Mylesia Valimont
Rose Zajac

Senior Level Dental Hygiene Students
Heidi Martin
Michelle Desharnis
Kristen Springer
Tara Mastrioanni

Sophmore Hygiene Students
Christine Gazzillo
Caitlin Burdzy
Kathy Wadolowski
John Grimes

Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada –
Latin Sorority from UNH

The following people made donations help make
this event possible:
New Haven Dental Association
Dr. Gerald Alexander
Dr. Jack Berns and Dr. Anthony Dioguardi
Dr. Bruce Cha
Dr. William Driscoll
Dr. Avrum Goldstein and Dr. John Parnoff
Dr. Robet Golia
Dr. Tom Kelly
Dr. Michael Kim and Dr. Neal Greenberg
Dr. Gary Pearl
Dr. Lisbeth Steen
Sullivan Schein Inc.
Dr. Lawrence Tannenbaum
Dr. Michael Vitale
Dr. Suna Woods

Oral Surgery Offices Who Volunteered Their
Services the Following Week
Dr. Jeffrey Berkley
Dr. Roger Lowlicht
Dr. Leonard Skope
Dr. Paul Wineland and Dr. Fidele Volpe