The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) estimates only 65.5% of adults over the age of 18 have had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. To increase access to dental care, the New York State Dental Foundation partnered with Hudson Valley Community College and the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) to provide free dental services to the Capital Region community, made possible by a sponsorship from St. Peter’s Health Partners.

On Saturday, October 5, 136 people registered to receive critical dental care, including screenings, emergent care, x-rays, treatment diagnosis, pain management guidance, extractions as needed and more. After an initial oral health assessment, those in need of emergent care were referred to Kare Mobile dental vans on sites, which were staffed by volunteer NYSDA dentists. A Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) met with patients to ensure they left with a follow up care plan.

“Community events are a crucial piece in improving the accessibility of dental care because they allow us to meet one-on-one with patients and quickly connect them to services. There is no greater feeling than seeing someone receive the care they desperately need and have been searching for. We applaud all of our community partners, especially St. Peter’s Health Partners for its sponsorship, as this would not be possible without them,” said Dr. Maria Maranga, New York State Dental Foundation Trustee Chair.

Community dental events further highlight the importance of collaboration in improving access to dental care for the most vulnerable populations. By working together, CDHCs, HVCC students, NYSDA dentists and St. Peter’s Health Partners provided a missing link to enhance patient access to care and improve health outcomes.

“The Capital Region Community Dental Event is a day of compassion to relieve patients of discomfort and to share our continued commitment to health education and the foundational importance of good oral health,” said HVCC Dental Hygiene Department Chairperson Tammy Conway. “We were excited and honored to be a part of this event that fosters interprofessional collaboration and mentorship opportunities for our dental hygiene and dental assisting students.”

The New York State Dental Foundation is hoping to replicate this model and offer more Community Dental Events across New York State in the future, with the philanthropic support of other community stakeholders like St. Peter’s Health Partners.

​“Our Mission is to be a transforming healing presence in our communities. Being able to meet people where they are and helping to provide access to services they may not otherwise have is critical to improving the overall health in the neighborhoods where we work and live,” said Kathy DeRosa, Chief Mission Officer and vice president of Community Health and Well-being at St. Peter’s Health Partners. “We are honored to have sponsored today’s event, assisting our valued partners in their efforts to make sure everyone in our community has the resources they need to live full, healthy lives.”

The New York State Dental Foundation has distributed $25,000 to three New York City hospitals to address oral health care needs for uninsured or underserved children. The funding is made possible by a generous bequest from Ms. Evangeline Lata, a native New Yorker whose brother was a Manhattan dentist.
 
The Gleason Legacy Circle was established earlier this year for consideration in legacy planning. Ms. Lata, who passed away in December 2020 prior to the creation of the Gleason Legacy Circle, instructed her executor to select an oral health organization treating the underserved. The New York State Dental Foundation is exceptionally grateful for being selected based on its dedication to expanding access to oral health care for vulnerable populations across the state.
 
“We are humbled that the Lata family has entrusted our organization with such a special gift. We felt that the funding should be used to support the wellbeing of our children,” said Dr. Maria Maranga, Foundation Trustee Chair. “When you include the New York State Dental Foundation in your legacy plans, you become a crucial ally for the future, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant community for generations to come.”

The New York State Dental Foundation recognizes an outstanding graduating student from each of the state’s dental hygiene schools with the presentation of the Albert H. Stevenson Award. This award is given to a graduating student who displays the leadership qualities and enthusiasm that Dr. Stevenson gave to the field of oral hygiene. Dr. Stevenson proudly communicated the importance of the oral hygiene field and advocated to have dental hygiene recognized has a licensed profession. The dental hygiene profession as it stands today is due, in part, to Dr. Stevenson’s tireless dedication. 

This year, the New York State Dental Foundation was able to include a $500 award to accompany the certificate for each student, many of whom have families they are supporting while juggling responsibilities of work and going to school. These monetary awards were made possible in part by generous contributions made in memory of Lisa D’Agostino, a certified dental assistant who sadly passed away in May of 2023.  

“Lisa always had a passion for dentistry,” said Lisa’s mother, Kathy D’Agostino. “She began her journey as part of her high school internship and worked in a dental office starting in ninth grade, an experience which only helped her love of dentistry to grow even more. Unfortunately, Lisa’s illnesses prevented her from achieving her life goal of becoming a dental hygienist, but we know she is smiling down knowing she was able to help others fulfill a dream she once had.” 

The Foundation is grateful to Lisa’s parents, Kathy and Chuck D’Agostino, as well as the many donors who paid tribute to her memory through their special gifts.  ​

The 2024 recipients of the Foundation’s Albert H. Stevenson Award are: Zoryana Vykhovanska, New York City College of Technology; Teresa Carmel, Hudson Valley Community College; McKenna Kiesel, Broome Community College; Emily Bogden, Monroe Community College; Johnna Intorcia, Erie Community College; Kathleen Bocash, Orange County Community College; Maria Benny, Hostos Community College of the City University of New York; Marina Babaisakova, State University of New York at Farmingdale; Adelya Mutigullina; NYU College of Dentistry. ​