Page 9 - MidWeek - May 11, 2022

This year, HDS features stronger strategic efforts to
HDS and the HDS Foun- dation work closely with lo- cal nonprofit organizations, agencies and health centers to reach the uninsured and un- derinsured through outreach, educational programs, grants and meaningful contributions.
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Hawai‘i Dental Service is distributing HDS Smile kits to more than 11,000 children in 208 Title I schools throughout the state, including 37 charter schools. The initiative starts this month with the help of nonprofit partner Hawai‘i Keiki. All HDS Smile kits will have a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a toy and an oral health activity booklet. Pictured are (from left) Deborah Mattheus and Kenna Gardes of Hawai‘i Keiki, Rachel Faasau of Cardinal Mailing Services LTD, and Kahala Howser of Hawai‘i Dental Service. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I DENTAL SERVICE
For more information, visit hawaiidentalservice.com.
reach underserved communi- ties and groups through vari- ous initiatives such as Dentist by One, Kūpuna Smiles and Seal Away Decay, which are robust efforts to address the age groups most at risk for tooth decay, gum disease and other dental issues.
of local families, a purpose rooted in the initial vision of 15 Hawai‘i dentists who saw a need for improved access to oral health care and established the organization in 1962.Their passion filled an important need and set our state on a bet- ter path. Today, HDS serves more than a million island residents throughout Hawai‘i, Guam and Saipan. More than 95% of Hawai‘i’s licensed, practicing dentists participate with HDS, giving our members access to the state’s largest net- work of dentists.
made by HDS and the dental industry in our islands, HDS and the HDS Foundation have become far more aggressive and effective in addressing health inequities, including be- ing an advocate for preventive and restorative care benefits for adult Medicaid beneficia- ries this legislative session. The HDS team looks forward to continuing its partnerships in the community to make an impact on the oral health of families across our island com- munities and to address more challenges in the years ahead.
These efforts reflect HDS’s mission to improve the smiles
While systemic challenges continue to hinder the progress
MAY 11, 2022 MIDWEEK 9
Hawai‘i Dental Ser- vice commemorates 60 years of healthy smiles and local roots by ex- panding its efforts to improve oral health in our island com- munities. As Hawai‘i’s leading dental benefits provider, HDS and its charitable arm, the HDS Foundation, play a key role in the funding and development of programs that address oral health education for keiki and kūpuna, the prevention of oral disease, and increasing access to affordable or free dental care.
DR. DIANE PALOMA, president and CEO, Hawai‘i Dental Service
HDS Focuses On Community Impact
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