HealthLink Dental Clinic will host its annual fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. For the first time in its 19-year history, this will be a virtual event open for public viewing and participation. Due to COVID-19, the organization’s board of directors made the decision to transition the event online in the interest of public safety and continuing healthcare concerns.
“Our anniversary celebration is a major event for the clinic. It gives an opportunity to tell our story and balance our budget. This year, the funds are especially important due to the added expenses we have incurred to safeguard our patients and staff from the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bernard Dishler, DDS retired, president of HealthLink’s board of directors. “We have decided to do a virtual event this year so that we don’t endanger anyone’s health.”
“Spreading Smiles Across the Miles,” which will feature local television personality and former Miss Pennsylvania Autumn Marisa as the master of ceremonies, will last about 60 minutes and feature HealthLink’s programmed activities in Bucks and Montgomery counties over the past year or more. It will also focus on patient stories, honor three outstanding supporters and offer plans for the next 12 to 24 months.
A special effort will be made to invite more applications from eligible veterans and area residents for HealthLink’s free dental services and to recruit additional active and retired dentists to volunteer their professional services. Dental hygienists, assistants and community outreach volunteer positions are also welcomed.
Area businesses, corporations and residents are asked to consider financial contributions and sponsorships of the event. Corporate sponsors include The Glenmede Trust, Abington Jefferson Health, Encore Rides and Penn Community Bank.
There is a raffle basket filled with gift certificates that have been donated by area restaurants, services and shops. Entries are $20 and may be purchased online.
Created in 1999 by Springhouse Corp. co-founder Eugene W. Jackson (deceased) and his son Geoffrey W. Jackson, HealthLink officially opened in 2001 as a nonprofit organization providing free, non-duplicated medical and dental services to qualified area residents who needed, yet could not afford, them. Five years ago, the organization’s board concluded that it could make its greatest contribution to public health moving forward by focusing all its time and talents on dental prevention, care and restorative services exclusively. HealthLink serves low wage-earning adults age 18 and older, as well as U.S. military veterans, living in Bucks and Montgomery counties, who cannot afford dental insurance.
Today, medical science strongly suggests that good oral care habits are about much more than caring for one’s teeth and an overall healthy mouth translates to a healthy body. According to the American Dental Association, one-in-three adults has no dental benefits. Adults in this country spend an average of $450 per year, or about $37.50 per month, for dental care. In a 2019 survey, the CDC reported that oral health was a top priority for 83 percent of the population and 87 percent claimed that “bad” teeth had a negative impact on both their personal and professional lives. St. Mary Medical Center’s 2019-2021 Community Health Needs Assessment continues to identify “access to dental care for adults” as one-of-15 unmet priority health needs of area residents. The report also confirmed that 34 percent of area residents reported not having seen a dentist in the past year.
HealthLink’s free services include oral examinations, X-rays, fillings, dental hygiene treatments, extractions, root canals, and patient education programs with materials that help assure compliance. To learn more about HealthLink’s services, to apply to be a patient, or provide volunteer assistance, visit healthlinkdental.org, call 215-364-4247 or follow on Facebook at @HealthLink1.
To learn more about “Spreading Smiles Across the Miles,” to sign up to be either a corporate or individual sponsor, to purchase raffle tickets, or to register to attend virtually, visit healthlinkdental.org/spreadingsmiles.
HealthLink Dental Clinic is located at 1775 Street Road, Southampton.
