The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine is proud to announce the establishment of the Robert I. Schattner Center for Oral Health for People with Disabilities, an innovative center dedicated to providing quality dental care for people with physical, cognitive, and complex medical conditions.
This new centre is made possible through the generosity of three partners: the Schattner Foundation, Henry Schein, Inc., and the Bergman Family Charitable Foundation. Present at the inaugural event were Sidney Bresler, President and Chairman of the Schattner Foundation, Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and CEO of Henry Schein, Inc., and Dr. Marion Bergman on behalf of the Bergman Family Charitable Foundation.
The establishment of this centre reflects the Hebrew University-Hadassah’s School of Dental Medicine’s deep commitment to promoting oral health for the entire population and to training professionals in the vital field of treating people with disabilities. The center will include five advanced treatment rooms and will serve approximately 30–40 patients daily. Treatment will be provided by dental specialists and interns from a variety of disciplines. It will enable patients to receive high-quality, holistic, multidisciplinary care under one roof.
Left to right: David Kochman (Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Henry Schein), Stanley Bergman (Chairman of the Board and CEO, Henry Schein, and Member, Bergman Family Charitable Foundation), Prof. Avraham Zini (Dean of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine), Sidney Bressler (President and Chairman, Schattner Foundation) Credit: Noam Feiner
The Hebrew University-Hadassah dental students already acquire theoretical and clinical knowledge of the unique approaches required to treat patients with special needs as part of their studies. The new center will allow students and staff to receive more in-depth training in this field, will provide fertile ground for clinical and basic research, and will serve as a hub for continuing education courses that will equip community dentists with the knowledge and confidence to treat this population.
Establishing this center will further strengthen the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine’sstatus as the most comprehensive treatment and training center of its kind in the Middle East.
Prof Avraham Zini, Dean of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine: “The establishment of the Robert I. Schattner Oral Health Center represents a major step forward in our mission to make oral health accessible to all. People with disabilities often face immense barriers to receiving proper dental care. This center will provide not only treatment but also training for future generations of dentists to care for this population with professionalism, empathy, and expertise.”
Mr Sidney Bresler, President and Chairman of the Schattner Foundation: “This initiative aligns with our foundation’s core goal: using philanthropy to make a meaningful difference. We look forward to coming back here and seeing the impact on the ground — that is ultimately the true test of our work.”
Prof Yoram Weiss, Director General, Hadassah Medical Organization:“Hadassah hasmade it its mission to share its knowledge and extensive experience with all those in need of healing, and all the more so for people with disabilities, who often require adapted and accessible medical care.
Left to right: Dr. Marion Bergman (Member, Bergman Family Charitable Foundation), Naama Nahmias (Associate Dean of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine), Ayelet Greenbaum-Arizon (Senior Deputy Director for Strategic and Economic Planning at the Ministry of Health), Prof. Yoram Weiss (Director General of the Hadassah Medical Organization), Stanley Bergman (Chairman and CEO, Henry Schein, and Member, Bergman Family Charitable Foundation), Prof. Avraham Zini (Dean of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine), David Kochman (Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Henry Schein), Sidney Bressler (President and Chairman, Schattner Foundation), Naama Kaufman-Fass (Director General of Hebrew University) Credit: Noam Feiner
As part of this commitment, we operate several clinics that open their doors specifically for this population, and at the same time we make sure to employ people with disabilities in our hospitals and benefit from their contribution. The new Schattner Oral Health Center will provide accessible and compassionate care to all who enter its doors, and will also train our students and residents, the next generation of physicians at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, to provide optimal, professional, and humane treatment for individuals with special needs.”
Ayelet Greenbaum-Arizon, Senior Deputy Director for Strategic and Economic Planning, Ministry of Health: “The new center is fully aligned with the Ministry of Health’s policy to reduce gaps and ensure that all health services are accessible to populations with special needs.”