MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) today announced that it donated more than $18,000 in dental supplies and equipment to the Growing Smiles Foundation in support of its recent annual mission to provide comprehensive oral health treatment to underserved children living in Peru. The donation is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company's global corporate social responsibility program.

As part of the donation, Henry Schein provided the Growing Smiles Foundation with a range of supplies, including gloves, restorative materials, dental handpieces, and other instruments. The Growing Smiles Foundation team consisted of two pediatric dentists, a periodontist, three pediatric dental residents, a dental hygienist, and 17 dental students from Temple University's Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry (TUKSoD). The team treated approximately 220 patients, 190 of which were children who attend the Jose Maria Arguedas Elementary School in the city of Chorrillos.

The team, in partnership with the local dental school in Lima, the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC), administered more than 140 cleanings and fluoride treatments, over 100 restorative treatments, over 450 sealants, and performed dozens of extractions and other minor operations when necessary. Faculty and students from UPC visit the school three to four times a week during the school year to provide oral health education and preventive dental services, and refer patients to their dental school for follow-up care.

"Henry Schein has been an incredible partner to the Growing Smiles Foundation and we are extremely grateful for this generous donation," said Dr. Bari Levine, MPH, Founder of the Growing Smiles Foundation and TUKSoD graduate. "Henry Schein's support helps foster a generation of dental students who understand the beauty of offering one's skills and expertise to help the underserved. Also, Henry Schein's support allows us to focus on patient care and improving the lives of patients who may not be able to access quality dental care. We look forward to continuing to join with Henry Schein in their mission to 'help health happen.'"

Since the program's inception in 2013, TUKSoD students and faculty have treated more than 1,000 patients in Peru, the majority of whom are children living at La Sagrada Familia orphanage outside the capital city of Lima, or who attend the Jose Maria Arguedas Elementary School.

"We at Henry Schein are pleased to support the Growing Smiles Foundation as their commitment to expanding access to care to children in need closely aligns with Team Schein's core values," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. "Every child, regardless of the circumstances of their lives, deserves quality health care, and it is wonderful to see the next generation of oral health professionals understand the impact their skills can have on the oral health, and by extension overall health, of children in need. I applaud Dr. Levine and her colleagues for their efforts on behalf of the children of Peru and around the world."

About the Growing Smiles Foundation
The Growing Smiles Foundation is a team of dental students and licensed dentists who strive to improve the oral health and overall health of children around the world. For more information, please visit www.growingsmilesfoundation.org.

About Henry Schein Cares
Henry Schein Cares stands on four pillars: engaging Team Schein Members to reach their potential, ensuring accountability by extending ethical business practices to all levels within Henry Schein, promoting environmental sustainability, and expanding access to health care for underserved and at-risk communities around the world. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on three main areas: advancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emergency preparedness and relief.

Firmly rooted in a deep commitment to social responsibility and the concept of enlightened self-interest championed by Benjamin Franklin, the philosophy behind Henry Schein Cares is a vision of "doing well by doing good." Through the work of Henry Schein Cares to enhance access to care for those in need, the company believes that it is furthering its long-term success. "Helping Health Happen Blog" is a platform for health care professionals to share their volunteer experiences delivering assistance to those in need globally. To read more about how Henry Schein Cares is making a difference, please visit our blog: www.helpinghealthhappen.org.

About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners. The company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, and other alternate care sites. A Fortune 500® Company and a member of the S&P 500® and the Nasdaq 100® indexes, Henry Schein employs more than 21,000 Team Schein Members and serves more than 1 million customers.

The company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 120,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 180,000 additional products available as special-order items. The company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services.

Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 32 countries. The company's sales reached a record $11.6 billion in 2016, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 15 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein and @HenrySchein on Twitter.

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SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.