July 2008 eNewsletter

ROBERT J. KLAUS, VISIONARY LEADER OF ORAL HEALTH AMERICA, RETIRES

Robert J. Klaus retired on June 30 after 20 years as President and CEO of Oral Health America, the nation's premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health. He arrived at Oral Health America (then America 's Fund for Dental Health) in 1988, with a PhD in History, a vision for oral health parity, and a unique ability to communicate oral health's importance to overall health. In 1994, Dr. Klaus led the organization to a new name, and a new mission of public advocacy.

“We celebrate Robert's retirement with a mixture of joy and sadness,” said Kathy J. Zwieg, Chairman of the Board, Oral Health America . “His leadership has made an indelible mark on the way that Americans perceive oral health. He is a maverick, and a visionary, who brought unlikely partners together to collaborate in new ways to improve oral health and oral health care. On behalf of the Board of Directors, and members of the Oral Health America staff, I extend gratitude and congratulations to Robert and his wife, Joan.”

Dr. Klaus's most recent honors include a leadership award from the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund, a 2007 Distinction in Public Service Award from the Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and a Special Friend Award from Special Olympics Special Smiles. The Oral Health America Board of Directors has established the Robert J. Klaus Distinguished Achievement Award for meritorious achievement in increasing awareness of oral health's importance to overall health.

Oral Health America is very pleased to announce that George Rhodes, who recently retired as Vice President of Corporate Communications and Professional Relations at DENTSPLY, will serve as Interim President and CEO of Oral Health America until Dr. Klaus's successor is appointed.  Mr. Rhodes has a lengthy history with the organization spanning over 30 years as a corporate friend, Oral Health America Trustee Advisor, and most recently as a member of the Board of Directors including terms as Vice Chair and Chairman of the Board. Read the full press release

CAMPAIGN PARTNERS BRING NATIONAL SMILE MONTH TO LIFE

National Smile Month ended on June 17 in the United States and United Kingdom, marking the first time the campaign has been held simultaneously in both to raise awareness of the important role that oral health can play in overall health. In the U.S., the campaign reached millions of Americans with messages about the importance of brushing, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits, and inspired local events across the country. This year's theme was “Brush for Health!” Acknowledgement of our campaign sponsors and supporters, and an overview of campaign activities is available here.

NEIL ROMANO SWORN IN AS ASSISTANT U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR

Neil Romano, longtime Oral Health America friend, former member of the Oral Health America Board of Directors, and co-founder and producer of the National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP), has been appointed Assistant U.S. Secretary of Labor to oversee the Office of Disability Employment Policy.

Congratulations, Neil! We are tremendously proud of you, and your dedication to promoting a diverse American workforce that includes people with disabilities at every level. Link to Mr. Romano's Swear-in speech

Pictured left: Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao administers the Oath of Office to Assistant Secretary of Labor Neil Romano at his swearing in ceremony, making Romano the second-ever head of the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Pictured with Secretary Chao are Assistant Secretary Romano, his wife and daughters. (DOL Photo/Neshan Naltchayan)

Researchers Find Fewer Cavities in Overweight Children

The adage that “correlation does not mean causation,” applies to the results of a newly published study which found that overweight children had fewer cavities than the control group composed of children of average weight. The results of this research were published in the April issue of the Journal of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Additional link: New York Times article “More Weight, Fewer Cavities”

Periodontal Disease, Oral Hygiene and Systemic Health

Two new studies further our understanding of oral health's importance to overall health.

The Journal of Periodontology Online recently published a study examining previous studies that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might suffer from a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. The results of this study indicate that subjects with RA have significantly increased periodontal attachment loss compared with controls. Oral hygiene, which can be compromised by poor use of hands and fingers in RA sufferers, may only partially account for the association of RA and periodontal disease. Link: June issue of Journal of Periodontology

Good dental hygiene and health may be crucial in preventing heart valve infection, according to research reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Link: press release from the American Heart Association

Ethical Obligations to Protect Children

Recent newspaper reports of two incidents of child abuse, which resulted in the deaths of a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old, remind us again of the need for all members of society to act to protect children, and vulnerable adults, from abuse and neglect. In the case of both of these children, many people had cause for concern, but failed to act. For a more extensive treatment of this topic, click here for “The Role For Dental Professionals in Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect” by Lynn Douglas Mouden, DDS, MPH, FICD, FACD, published in the October 1998 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association.

Donate Online Today!

Your contribution to OHA is matched dollar-for-dollar by DENTSPLY International. Thank you for supporting our work in communities across the country, and raising awareness of oral health's importance to overall health. Donate now through our online server, a secure VeriSign account.

Founded in 1955, Oral Health America is the nation’s premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans. For more information, please send email correspondence to info@oralhealthamerica.org.

 Vol. 4, Issue 3, July 2008

Special thanks to Diana Saldana and Belmont Publications, Inc. for the design of this eNewsletter.