View from the Chairside: the 2014 Henry Schein Back-to-School Program

By Alexandra Rabalski

For over 9 years Henry Schein has been running the Back to School Program across Canada for children that come from underprivileged families. At this fun event, children receive backpacks filled with school supplies and healthy snacks. This year the program broke their record with the highest number of backpacks distributed in Canada, an amazing 710!

At the Niagara location, many activity tents were set up for families to visit. Children were able to go on the bouncy castles, get their face painted, visit the reptile booth and interact with EMS and Fire services. When rest was needed, participants enjoyed the barbeque.

Another special booth was the informative oral health tent where three amazing dental teams worked together to provide free dental screenings for participating children: Dr. Vella Caruana from Cedar Springs Dental, Dr. Sama from 16 Mile Dental, and the Niagara Mobile Dental Clinic. DMF scores were recorded for 97 children. Those that will require additional dental treatment will be covered under the Children in Need of Treatment Program.

Overall the Back to School Program held across Canada was a huge success. Pure happiness was evident throughout. Thank you Henry Schein for organizing such a wonderful and meaningful event!

Backpack number breakdown:

Niagara- 130

Montreal- 50

Toronto- 50

Victoria- 260

Ottawa- 220