About

Program Overview

There are approximately 44,000 Holocaust survivors living in North America today, and nearly one-third live at or below the poverty level, making it all but impossible to access the care and support services they so desperately need. Access to care and support services grows more critical as this population ages and becomes susceptible to compounding health issues. Survivors often have special oral health needs, as many experienced prolonged nutritional deprivation and received little or no dental care throughout their childhoods, compromising their lifelong oral health.

In 2015, Alpha Omega International Dental Society and Henry Schein Cares responded to this need by launching the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program. This program provides pro bono oral care to the most economically vulnerable Holocaust survivors, in addition to individuals of any faith who are survivors of Nazi persecution and meet the eligibility requirements of the program. In addition to financial need, the three critical factors in prioritizing patients for participation are: elimination of pain, restoration of function, and lack of dental coverage. A clear set of clinical guidelines directs the specific scope of care provided through this program. The scope of treatment is wide and comprehensive, ranging from emergency care to restorative, endodontic, periodontal, oral surgery, and prosthetic treatment—all expertly delivered free of charge.

The Program provides financially burdened Holocaust survivors with pro-bono dental care, allowing our survivors to eat pain-free and smile with the dignity they deserve. In turn, we learn and retell their stories of horrors and triumphs, and are grateful for the opportunity. The Program is currently operating in the following cities:

Participating U.S. Cities/Areas

Are you a dentist interested in joining our growing team of providers?

Contact us today to learn more about how you can help treat those in need.

Participating Dental Schools

• A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
• New York University College of Dentistry
• Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry
• Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Why Dental Schools Should Participate:

• Participation provides dental students – the next generation of dental professionals – a greater understanding of how their skills can make a positive difference in the world. 
• Partnerships positively impact the survivor participants and their families as well as their communities by expanding access to care for those in need.
• This unparalleled educational experience provides dental students the opportunity to meet and interact with survivors and learn about their experiences – so critical to ensuring that this history is never repeated. 

Participating Canadian Cities

• Calgary
• Montreal
• Toronto
• Winnipeg

Please contact Bernice Edelstein, HSP Executive Director, at bernice.edelstein@aofus.org, or 240-876-3330 for more information.