Miss Native American USA 2015-2016 Kristina Hyatt, a dental hygienist employed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Children’s Dental Program, began a tour of American Indian Reservations Sunday at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, according to Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.
Now through the fall, Hyatt and America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation ® will unite to reach out to Native American children across the United States through the America’s Tooth Fairy Smile Drive.
While the Registered Dental Hygienist shares her oral health message with the youngsters, the Smile Drive will collect toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral health care products for American Indian children.
According to the Indian Health Service (IHS), American Indian and Alaska Native preschoolers have the highest levels of tooth decay in the US. By 3rd grade, 91% of American Indian and Alaskan Native children have experienced tooth decay and 72% have unfilled cavities.
Currently, America’s ToothFairy and MNAUSA are also seeking volunteers to host local Smile Drives benefiting Native American children as well as donations for the Toothbrush Fund. To register or to donate, visit America’s ToothFairy webpage: https://www.ncohf.org/get-involved/smile-drive/smiledrive_nachildren.
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Larry Cohen
CHIEF CUSTOMER ADVOCATE
Larry Cohen graduated from Wilkes College with a B.S. in Accounting in 1957 and Columbia University Graduate School of Business, earning an M.S. in Management and Finance, 1958. He served in the U. S. Army Reserve from 1958 through 1964.
He is the second-generation owner of Benco Dental Company, which was founded by his father, Benjamin Cohen in 1930.
Joining Benco Dental in 1959 as manager of the Tooth Department, in 1960, Larry became an outside sales rep, a position he enjoyed full time until 1972. Beginning that year, Larry began reducing his outside sales role and increasing his managerial duties, later becoming the president of Benco Dental from 1965 - 1996.
Larry is the Founder of the American Dental Cooperative; Board, American Dental Trade Associate, plus Various ADTA committees. He sits on the Board of Wilkes University, Board of Visiting Nurses Association and the Board of Jewish Community Center.