Oral Health America (OHA) announced that its 28th Annual Gala & Benefit raised more than $500,000 for OHA's programs and campaigns that support oral health for all Americans. OHA hosted over 700 people at the new Marriott Marquis Chicago on February 21, 2018. Guests from the dental industry enjoyed dinner, dancing and networking, helping to raise critically needed funds to support programming.
“Our Annual Gala & Benefit helps shine light on the work OHA does for Americans across the lifespan. This year’s theme, Emergence & Empowerment, speaks to OHA’s ability to connect communities with resources to foster self-empowerment through education and gaining access to care,” stated Beth Truett, President and CEO for Oral Health America. “The funds raised will allow OHA to continue its mission and work toward the goal that oral health is a right, not a privilege.”
The Annual Gala & Benefit provides crucial and principal support for OHA’s oral health programs serving children, families and older adults nationwide; enables OHA to offer pre-dental internships and oral health fellowships; and fuels our advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations of all ages.
During the event, OHA recognized Dr. Jack Dillenberg for his dedication to the dental industry. As founding Dean at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH), Dr. Dillenberg laid the groundwork for professional community externships, helping to serve those most vulnerable. Dr. Dillenberg was introduced by his colleague and friend, Dr. Robert Trombly, current Dean of ASDOH, and presented the Gala Tribute Award by George Tysowsky, OHA Board Chair. A tribute booklet given to Gala attendees included heartfelt congratulations from many of his friends.
DentaQuest was also recognized for $1,000,000 in lifetime giving to Oral Health America. The Million Dollar Donor Award was presented to Steven Pollock, CEO of DentaQuest, by OHA’s President and CEO, Beth Truett. OHA also presented a Program Champion Award to Marshall University/West Virginia Oral Health Coalition for their service to low-income children in West Virginia and sponsorship of Continuing Education Credits for OHA’s Webinar Series. The DuPage (IL) County Health Department also received a Program Champion Award for educating and screening older adults in the Chicagoland area, sponsored by Colgate and presented by Dr. Barbara Shearer, Director of Scientific Affairs.
The 28th Annual Gala & Benefit was generously supported by: Cocktail Reception Sponsor - Ivoclar Vivadent; Technology Sponsor - Patterson Dental; Entertainment Sponsor - Henry Schein Dental; Platinum Sponsors - Colgate Palmolive Company, Dentsply Sirona, Philips Oral Healthcare, Septodont; Bid Card Sponsor - SciCan; Grand Raffle Sponsor - Darby Dental Supply; Dessert Sponsor - Midmark Corporation; Diamond Sponsors - Chicago Dental Society, DentaQuest, Jayne Agency; Wine Sponsor - DentalEZ Integrated Solutions; and Gold Sponsors - BISCO, INC., Burkhart Dental Supply, PLANMECA, Whip Mix Corporation.
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