By
Fay Donohue
Today
is one of those days when I think I must have the best job in the world. This morning I’ll be addressing DentaQuest
employees across our entire enterprise to speak about our mission, and to kick
off a day of service where we will be working in communities across the
country. And all of this we do as we
recognize and celebrate our corporate mission which is to improve the oral health of
all.
Our
employees are all motivated to engage in meaningful work in our local
communities today. In Westborough, MA and Calverton, MD, Columbia, SC, Coral
Gables, FL and Mequon, Grafton and Glen Oaks, WI and in Austin, TX and
Boston, MA, DentaQuest employees will work together to make a difference and
support our communities. We will be helping at middle schools, Boys and Girls
Clubs, Habitat for Humanity sites and food banks.
As a
company we understand the importance of preventive care and need to take a
leading role in increasing access to quality, affordable oral health care. This
day of service demonstrates our commitment to the communities we serve and
underscores our passion to support healthy communities and help others.
Our
mission is at the core of everything we do and stand for here at DentaQuest. Click here for interesting facts on this dental disease. Dental
disease isn’t usually top-of-mind in the national conversation about health
care—but it is a serious, chronic, infectious illness—and is preventable.
- Dental disease (cavities) is the most common
chronic disease in children, more common than asthma.
- Every year across the United States, children miss
52 million school hours due to dental disease, and adults lose close to
164 million work hours.
- In 2010, Americans spent $106 billion dollars in
oral care.
- More than 30 million people could not get treatment, including 1 out of 5 children.
During today’s “Recommitment to our Mission Day,” we will be supporting healthy communities across the country so more children have places to play and learn, more families have food to eat and a roof over their heads. And that’s part of our mission. A nation where no child suffers from the pain of tooth decay. Where adults keep all their teeth in good health for their entire lives. And, where every person has access to quality dental care.