Thousands of toothbrushes and toothpaste has been donated to strengthen the oral health status of Ecuadorian children in need.
The donation was made as part of Henry Schein’s cooperation with the International College of Dentists (ICD) Global Visionary Fund (GVF) to support Fibuspam’s ‘Project Sonrisa’.
Fibuspam is an international charity that aims to deliver integrated healthcare and humanitarian support to those with limited economic resources in Ecuador, reports that as many as 88% of indigenous children living in Ecuador suffer from advanced tooth decay. Overall, Ecuador has the third highest rate of paediatric tooth decay in all of Latin America.
When left untreated, cavities and tooth infections can lead to mouth pain, sleeping and eating disorders, and diminished concentration in school. Poor oral health results in malnutrition, digestive problems, and poor academic performance.
Fibuspam provides affordable dental care to children and their families living in Chimborazo Province, Ecuador. Its dental clinic promotes sustained oral health by providing bi-annual check-ups as well as treating pre-existing dental conditions. By avoiding chronic mouth infections, children have better nutritional outcomes and less mouth pain, enabling them to focus on their educational and career goals.
Executive director of Fibuspam, Sarah Marjane, said: ‘Through this Henry Schein Cares product donation, we were not only able to tell Ecuadorian children how important oral hygiene and health is for their total health and wellbeing but also to provide them afterwards with the needed toothbrushes and toothpaste and to show them how to use them properly’.
‘We are happy to support Fibuspam’s “Project Sonrisa” through ICD’s Global Visionary Fund. Their long-term engagement to enhance children’s oral health is amazing and so important,’ said Simon Gambold, Henry Schein’s vice president European Dental Northern Region. ‘One of the goals of our global corporate social responsibility programme, Henry Schein Cares, is it to increase access to oral care and to support dental professionals in the provision of desperately needed treatment and preventive care.’
The Company believes that through the work of Henry Schein Cares it is furthering its long-term success. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on three main areas: advancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emergency preparedness and relief.
