Grant Provides Dental Care for Ukrainian Refugees in Florida

The Ukrainian Refugee Resettlement Project (URRP), led by founder Angie Watstein in coordination with the Department of Endodontics at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, has been awarded the 2023 Domestic Access to Care Grant by the Foundation of Endodontics and U.S. Endo Partners. This collaboration marks a significant step toward providing critical endodontic care to Ukrainian refugees in Florida, many of whom face barriers to accessing dental services.

This initiative will help Ukrainian refugees needing endodontic services who are ineligible for Medicaid, don’t have dental insurance or cannot afford dental care. The project aids those affected by the Ukrainian conflict, offering support to individuals facing challenges in accessing health care.

Watstein’s team is facilitated by URRP medical needs volunteer Julie Klitzner, who is the operational lead and first contact point. Services are coordinated by Dr. Yehuda J. Benjamin, faculty and staff. The services are performed by postgraduate endodontic residents. Dr. Benjamin is chair of the Endodontics Department. The initiative aids those in need while highlighting the profound impact of collaborative efforts in providing critical care to underserved communities.

One story underscoring the impact of this initiative involves Polina Danilova, a young Ukrainian refugee and her mother, Kateryna Klymenko, who were faced with the prospect of selling their car to afford a vital endodontic dental procedure. Because of intervention by URRP and the College of Dental Medicine, the family received the necessary endodontic treatment, showcasing the life-changing support this grant and initiative offer to a vulnerable population.

For more details on this initiative and others, visit the URRP and NSU College of Dental Medicine‘s websites.

Posted 04/07/24