Sell Out Crowd Honors Oral Health America

Annual Gala & Benefit Draws 1,055 to Support Dental Charity 

February 29, 2008

CHICAGO- -Over 1,000 Oral Health America supporters gathered on Thursday, February 21 at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom for the largest charitable event in dentistry, raising funds to improve access to care for the 108 million Americans without dental insurance. Oral Health America, the nation's premier, independent oral health advocacy organization, conducts educational and service programs designed to improve oral health—and raise public awareness of oral health's importance to overall health.

According to Dr. Mary Hayes, gala co-chair and a Chicago pediatric dentist, “This gala surpassed all of our previous years in terms of sponsorships and attendance in a tremendous outpouring of support for Oral Health America .”

“Oral Health America's gala is regarded as a wonderful opportunity for the industry and profession to come together under one roof and have a thoroughly enjoyable evening,” added H. Todd Cubbon, DDS, Chicago Dental Society President. The Chicago Dental Society is a long-standing sponsor of the gala, which takes place annually on the eve of the Chicago Dental Society's Midwinter Meeting.

The Gala & Benefit also presented an opportunity for the dental community to recognize the leadership of Oral Health America 's Robert Klaus, who is retiring in June, after twenty years as President and CEO. His contributions include the development of numerous programs including the National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP), Oral Health 2000, Campaign for Oral Health Parity, Smiles Across America, National Periodontal Disease Coalition, and the National Sealant Alliance. He is responsible for shaping Oral Health America 's role as a public advocacy organization, and for raising significant public and private funding for oral health initiatives.

Oral Health America's eighteenth annual gala featured a full course dinner, dancing, and a silent and live auction. Last year's event raised close to $200,000, and the organization expects to exceed that amount this year. The 2009 gala committee will be chaired by Keith Suchy, DDS, chair of the ADA 's Council on Government Affairs, and past president of the Chicago Dental Society.

Contact: Liz Rogers, (207) 771-8824 or liz@oralhealthamerica.org

Oral Health America is the nation's premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans.