Testimonials
"The MOM experience was simply amazing and most rewarding! It was wonderful to see so many volunteers from all over NYS come together and deliver top notch quality dental care to those in need! "
- Dr. John Liang
President of NYSDA
"I would like to take an opportunity to thank Drs. Kennedy, Bauman, and Walsh, as well as everyone at
NYSDA, for their confidence in my organizational abilities to oversee the Dental Triage Department for
the M.O.M. this summer. It was an honor to be a part of an event that touched the lives of so many
people...both patients and volunteers alike! I found the experience to be fulfilling on many different levels.
Personally, it was refreshing to see so many of our colleagues and community volunteers come together
to help those less fortunate. As the President of the Third District, I felt some additional responsibility
for the M.O.M.s success. On both levels, I was extremely pleased at the conclusion of the event. I look
forward to being a part of the next event, in whatever capacity that I am needed. Thank you again."
-Dr. Michael DeSanti, Jr.
"Congrats on a terrific project. Looking forward to the next one. My best to all my friends in NY."
- Bruce Tandy
"I was honored to be asked by the NYS Dental Foundation to serve as the Lead for the Dental Hygiene component of our first MOM. This was the most rewarding experience that I have ever had as a dental professional. The planning of this enormous undertaking required all aspects of our profession to work tireless together to implement this MOM event at Hudson Valley Community College this past June.
The commitment to excellence in providing oral health services to people in need throughout the Capital region did more than provide dental care, it raised public awareness regarding the barriers that exist for our undeserved population. Again, This experience allowed me to be an integral part of making a positive difference in the lives of those who were served through this admirable service to our community. Thank you for asking me to be part of this unforgettable experience."
- Judith DiLorenzo
"It was my pleasure to volunteer for a great cause and I truly enjoyed myself meeting all of the nice people who organized the event and who assisted in the event."
- Susan Smith
"It was exciting and fulfilling to be a part of such a great, beautifully managed event. You did a great job and I look forward to doing it again some day."
- Ed Kornbluh
"The NYSDF 2014 MOM began for me as an idea being pitched to a couple of us officers in a diner near the Albany Marriott. We presented the idea to the NYSDA Board of Trustees soon after. Then a small group of us from NYSDA scouted the Connecticut fast moving event and reported back. Our Board approved the idea and MOM started taking shape as an entity. Seeing it come to fruition this past summer after more than 2 years of problem solving and hard work was very special for me. I personally came a day early to help set up.. .everyone was concentrating and worked along side each other with intensity. In the afternoon, as things finally seemed to be coming together, some guys turned to me and said How did you ever hear of this great event?” They were local veterans who came out to help and get treatment. I was so proud of all we had created. It was truly an incredible team effort from its inception.. .and as time went on, both the complexity and the teams got bigger and bigger. When the dental treatment was finally being rendered this summer there was a great urgency about the experience. I worked in Triage. The patients with all kinds of needs kept coming as we varied our approach to maximize the production and fill all the seats in the clinic. We also saw the patients as they left and many stopped by to thank us and even ask if they could make donations. I am sure that the enthusiasm will carry over and make the next NYSDA MOM even bigger and better. I would recommend participation to everyone. It was exciting to be involved in such an uplifting event. Thank you so much for everyone who worked so hard on the trillion details necessary to make it happen."
- Dr. Deborah Weisfuse
"Participating in MOM was an awesome feeling knowing I was helping someone. It was the greatest feeling when people actually said, 'Thank you.' It made it all worth while. I’ll do it again!"
- Doreen Bialahoski
"I am very fortunate to be a Dentist. Ihave been able to provide a good home for myfamily, a good education for my son and enjoy all the joys that life has to offer. This event was a chance to ‘jpay itforward” to others that are not so lucky, The volunteers spoke about. pride, passion and commitment to their profession and the patients they serve. The patients thanked the volunteers when they first walked through the door, thanked them when they sat in the chair, and thanked them again when their treatment was completed. How often does that happen in your office?"
- Dr. Scott Firestone
"Everything went smoothly and as a volunteer on both days I can say from personal experience that it was a pleasure to be there and be a part of that team. A big thank you to NYS MoM and NYSDA for providing the opportunity."
- Shylaja Putrevu
"Having had time to reflect on the Mission of Mercy event, I feel really great about what we as a dental community were able to achieve. It is amazing to me how many people we were able to help and I can't help feel very proud about that. I feel that this is the most that I have "touched" my community since I became a dentist. The feeling I got being able to work hard, give back and make a difference in others lives is what made the event so special to me. Not only did I feel Prideful about my own performance, but I realized and was able to see how special all of the volunteers and dentists are. It gave me a sense of community and some reassurance about humanity in general. I am very proud to have participated in the Mission of Mercy."
- Dr. Todd L. Vaccaro
