Product and equipment donations help underserved children in
Dominican Republic’s poorest communities receive crucial oral health care
MELVILLE, N.Y., February 15, 2011— Esperanza International, in conjunction with the Crown Council’s Smiles for Life Foundation, today presented Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the largest distributor of health care products and services to office-based practitioners, with its Award of Gratitude for the support the Company has provided to their humanitarian relief efforts in the Dominican Republic. The award was presented during the Crown Council’s 2011Annual Meeting, held earlier this month.
Through Henry Schein Cares, the Company’s global corporate social responsibility program, Henry Schein, has provided products and equipment over four consecutive years to support Esperanza International in its efforts to provide crucial dental screenings, cleanings, restorative work and surgeries to underserved children in the Dominican Republic. The dental services were provided through the Crown Council’s Smiles for Life Foundation, which pairs practicing dentists who volunteer their time and donate a portion of their billings each year with children who are in desperate need of oral health care services. The treatments range from routine cleanings and restorations, to extractions and root canals.
Partnering with the Crown Council and Esperanza International, Henry Schein Cares donated products and equipment that were used in clinics across the Dominican Republic to provide needed exams and treatment. The three-way partnership illustrates the model of public-private partnership that distinguishes activities supported by Henry Schein Cares.
“We at Henry Schein feel such kinship with the Crown Council because there is a close alignment between the Smiles for Life Foundation and Henry Schein Cares’ mission of helping health happen,” said Mr. Bergman. “I would like to thank Dr. Patricia Diaz and Carlos Pimentel Sanchez of Esperanza International for their dedication and commitment to serving those in need throughout the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is a true honor for Henry Schein to be the recipient of this wonderful recognition.”
About the Crown Council
The Crown Council is an alliance of leading-edge dental teams throughout the United States and Canada that are strongly committed to promoting oral health, fighting oral cancer and serving their communities through charitable work. The Crown Council’s Smiles for Life Foundation is a children’s charity organized through an alliance of dentists in the United States and Canada who are dedicated to superior dental care and active community involvement.
Every year from March 1 to June 30, member dentists donate half the revenue they generate from patient teeth whitening procedures to help underserved children in their local community. The remaining revenue is donated to support international charities around the world. To date, Crown Council dentists have made 14 expeditions, consisting of 30-50 dental teams to the Dominican Republic to provide access to care for the country’s underserved children.
About Esperanza International
Esperanza International’s mission is to free children and their families from the impact of poverty through a variety of initiatives that generate income, offer education, enhance health and restore self-worth and dignity. With its focus on community-based, sustainable development programs that benefit children and their families, Esperanza International addresses the root causes of poverty and facilitates activities that lead to improved living conditions, reduced infant mortality, greater life expectancy, better nutrition, improved education, increased income, and enhanced environmental improvement. Working throughout the Dominican Republic, Esperanza International operates throughout rural and semi-rural communities along country’s eastern regions and has branch offices in Puerto Plata, Samana, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, Ingenio Consuelo, San Pedro de Macoris, and Santo Domingo.
About Henry Schein Cares
Henry Schein Cares enhances access to health care for underserved communities around the world. Activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on three main areas: advancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emergency
preparedness and relief. Firmly rooted in a deep commitment to social responsibility and the concept of enlightened self-interest championed by Benjamin Franklin, the philosophy behind Henry Schein Cares is a vision of “doing well by doing good.” By “helping health happen” through the work of Henry Schein Cares, the Company firmly believes that it is furthering its long-term success.
About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based practitioners, is a Fortune 500® company and a member of the NASDAQ 100® Index. The Company is recognized for its excellent customer service and highly competitive prices. Henry Schein’s five businesses – North American Dental, North American Medical, North American Animal Health, International and Technology – serve more than 700,000 customers worldwide, including dental practitioners and laboratories, physician practices and animal health clinics, as well as government and other institutions. The Company operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, which provides customers in more than 200 countries with a comprehensive selection of more than 90,000 national and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 100,000 additional products available as special-order items. Henry Schein also provides exclusive, innovative technology offerings for dental, medical and veterinary professionals, including value-added practice management software and electronic health record solutions.
Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein employs nearly 14,000 people and has operations or affiliates in 24 countries. The Company’s net sales reached a record $6.5 billion in 2009. For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com.
