Thanks to AAPD Foundation and Henry Schein
Personal protective equipment (PPE) availability should not be a barrier to care or a factor in treatable dental cases evolving into emergencies. In the largest single commitment in its 33-year history, the AAPD Foundation has allocated up to $1.6 million to offer all AAPD members one 50 count box supply of KN95 masks at no charge, in a joint collaboration between the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the AAPD Foundation. As part of the company’s commitment to help enhance access to care for vulnerable populations, including children, Henry Schein, Inc. – the world’s largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners – is providing these masks to AAPD Foundation at its cost of acquisition and distribution, and leveraging its supply chain network to provide implementation assistance.
Recognizing PPE shortages are barriers to care, the AAPD Foundation supporting distribution of PPE to AAPD members is an extension of its access-to-care mission. The Academy and Foundation recognize manufacturers, suppliers and distributors face unprecedented demand coupled with supply-chain gaps worldwide. We are grateful to Henry Schein, Inc., for assisting AAPD members to provide care to the kids with as few supply interruptions as possible.
To receive your free KN95 masks (the AAPD Foundation is covering sales tax and shipping, too), click on the link below. Be sure to include your preferred shipping address (no P.O. boxes), along with your preferred e-mail and cell phone. When submitting your order, you will be asked to acknowledge you understand 1) KN95 masks are not FDA approved or cleared, and 2) they are authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an Emergency Use Authorization.
The Academy continues its work with local, state and federal government agencies to ensure they recognize child oral health care as essential health care. We also are promoting AAPD members as valuable community child advocates who can identify and prevent the future spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
In addition to PPE access, the Foundation’s $1.6 million allocation will help fund the development of a public education campaign emphasizing dental office safety and child oral health care as essential health care. With an emphasis on prevention and early access to the dentist beginning at Age One, the campaign will feature social media, direct-to-consumer outreach, and materials for member use in their practices.
As Presidents of the Academy and the Foundation, we are proud of AAPD members who are rising to meet this global health challenge. We are honored to serve you at this important time for our patients, our patients’ families and our communities.