Mass Dental Society North Shore District supports training at LCHC

The North Shore District Dental Society, a component of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), today awarded $60,000 to the Lynn Community Health Center to improve the oral health of area residents.  The funds were raised through individual donations by members of the North Shore District and will be used to help expand the dental assistant externship program at Lynn Community Health Center.  This program supports dental clinic staff in becoming Certified Dental Assistants

“This is an opportunity for dentists of the North Shore to support the education of the dental workforce, while improving the quality of dental care to the underserved,” says Dr. Darryl Smith, Immediate Past Chairman of the North Shore District Dental Society, and the leader of the fundraising project.

“Dental assistants and receptionists are valuable members of the dental care team, who contribute to the overall quality of care our patients receive,” says Dr. Herlivi Linares, Associate Dental Director at LCHC. “We want to thank the North Shore dentists for recognizing our health center as a quality training site and for their commitment to our programs.”

“Last year’s cuts to MassHealth benefits for the adult population in Massachusetts, as well as current limitations on care to children, have made our dental clinic critical to cover the oral health care needs of a very vulnerable population in Lynn,” explains Lori Abrams Berry, Executive Director of the Lynn Community Health Center. “We are truly grateful to the MDS’s North Shore District Dental Society and its members for supporting the expansion of our externship program, a vital part of our efforts to meet the needs of our community.”

Pictured (left to right) Linda Massod, DMD, Treasurer, North Shore District; Herlivi Linares, DDS, Associate Director LCHC Dental Clinic; Steven Baratz, DMD,  President, North Shore District; Brian Chuang, DMD, Secretary, North Shore District; John Fisher, DDS, Past Resident of the Massachusetts Dental Association; Lori Abrams Berry, LCHC Executive Director; Darryl Smith, DDS, Past President, North Shore District