Community Corner

Local Orthodontist Donates Services to Underprivileged Patients

The program is made possible through a collaboration between NESO and Performance Scrubs.

 

Dr. Brad J. Turchetta of Rhode Island Orthodontic Group's Coventry Orthodontics (2435 Nooseneck Hill Rd.) is taking part in a new pilot program sponsored by the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists (NESO) that provides orthodontic services to patients in need. 

In September, NESO officially partnered with Tennessee-based Performance Scrubs, a company that offers quick-drying, moisture-wicking scrubs to healthcare providers. As part of the partnership, Performance Scrubs agreed to donate 10% of all retail proceeds from NESO members and affiliates to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Donated Orthodontic Services (DOS) program. The program was conceived in 2009 and currently has a total of 378 volunteer orthodontists throughout Rhode Island, New Jersey, Kansas, Illinois and Indiana, and is continually being developed to branch out into the rest of the country.

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Patients or parents of patients must apply for the program and meet certain criteria to be eligible and accepted. Patients between the ages of 7 and 18 are the program's main focus, but adults are considered under special circumstances. Since the program began, 17 patients have undergone and completed treatment among the five participating states. There are also 404 patients currently in active treatment and 276 more who are completing the application process or awaiting placement with an AAO DOS orthodontist.

Dr. Turchetta, who has been practicing for 17 years, 15 with RI Orthodontic Group, first heard about the program through Dr. Jack. S. Kacewicz, founder of the group, who has spearheaded the efforts in creating and employing both the partnership and DOS program. The practice currently has four partners - Dr. John Kacewicz, Dr. John Underhill, Dr. Michael Kacewicz and Dr. Turchetta, who all volunteer their services to DOS patients.

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"My partners and I all decided to participate in the DOS program simply because we are avid believers in giving back to the community," said Turchetta. "Apart from the DOS program, we are also involved in the Rhode Island Donated Dental Services program, which is dedicated to providing oral care to all disabled, aged, or medically compromised state residents who cannot afford dental treatment on their own. Our main philosophy has always been to stay at the forefront of all orthodontic technology advances while best serving the needs and interests of our patients."

The RI Orthodontic Group has completed two patient treatments thus far - one in East Greenwich with Dr. Kacewicz and one in Wakefield with Dr. Underhill. The Coventry, Warwick and Wickford offices are currently awaiting assignment of their first cases.

"This program undeniably offers a life-changing experience for both patients and their families," Turchetta went on to say. "Not only do the patients receive the necessary oral healthcare we provide for them, but they also gain a sense of confidence that translates into all aspects of their lives."

Editor's Note: Coventry orthodontist Dr. William Gordon also participates in the DOS program.


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