HealthLink Dental Clinic, 1775 Street Road, Southampton, named Doylestown resident Rick James as its new president of the board of directors, effective Jan. 1. James takes over the helm of the free clinic following Dr. Bernard Dishler, a dedicated leader who spent the past six years in that leadership position and will now continue as an active member of the organization’s board of directors.
The announcement was made following HealthLink’s December board meeting by the organization’s executive director Raquel Braemer.
“We are grateful for the relentless hard work of Dr. Dishler as our president and equally excited to welcome Rick James as our new leader,” said Braemer. “We have been truly blessed to have these kind, committed volunteers lead us.”
Drawing from his corporate experience with The Prudential Insurance Company of North America and Aetna Insurance, James began volunteer work with HealthLink as an appointed member of the nonprofit’s finance committee. In 2014, he was invited to serve on the board of directors, and for the past six years, has served as HealthLink’s vice president and development committee chair. After working with these two corporate giants in finance and customer operations, James launched a management consulting business headquartered in Doylestown.
As the newly-installed president of HealthLink, James intends to continue the work of his predecessor and colleagues while heightening awareness of HealthLink and educating the public regarding the critical ties that exist between one’s dental health and general health. Daily dental hygiene like teeth brushing, flossing and rinsing thoroughly go a long way in preventing dental problems at any age. Dental health has implications for future medical conditions that could result in stroke, heart disease and arthritis.
James believes that by continuing to work with area dental schools, reaching out to build bridges with area nonprofits and service organizations, and further pursuing HealthLink’s goal of serving more U.S. military veterans, he and his team will open more doors and extend their community impact, service and care even further.
By growing steadily, James hopes that HealthLink will attract more community leaders to its board of directors, more area dentists to work with patients, and more dedicated people to work as volunteers. HealthLink also welcomes area businesses and corporations as ongoing partners and sponsors. This coordinated community involvement is critical to HealthLink’s success.
HealthLink Dental Clinic is a 501(c)(3) that provides needed free dental services to low-income, working adults living in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Its no-cost services include oral examinations, X-rays, dental hygiene treatments, extractions, root canals and patient education. Visit healthlinkdental.org, call 215-364-4247 or follow on Facebook @HealthLink1 for more information.
