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Henry Schein helps raise awareness of oral cancer

Team Schein Members are participating in 500 Miles 4 Smiles. Additionally, Henry Schein will mark the occasion with an event in London. (Photo: Henry Schein UK)

Mon. 2 June 2014

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GILLINGHAM – Henry Schein UK, the UK-based division of Henry Schein, is participating in 500 Miles 4 Smiles, a month-long walking event in the UK that raises awareness of mouth cancer. From 19 May to 19 June, participants walk from Kirriemuir in Scotland to Brighton in England, passing through 32 destinations. The walk coincides with National Smile Month, the UK’s largest and longest-running oral health campaign.

The project began as a personal challenge for Christina Chatfield, a dental practice owner and hygienist from Brighton who wanted to walk 20 miles a day throughout National Smile Month. Chatfield approached the British Dental Health Foundation, Heart your Smile and Mouth Cancer Action early in 2013 and 500 Miles 4 Smiles was born, launching a nationwide call to action. This event is an opportunity to raise awareness of mouth cancer and the health benefits of a healthy mouth on a much broader scale; to highlight issues, such as the human papillomavirus; and to address the self-esteem of people suffering from dental anxiety.

As part of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility program, Henry Schein UK supports 500 Miles 4 Smiles and encourages Team Schein Members (TSMs) to get involved. Besides TSMs walking the route, Henry Schein is hosting an event at its offices in London at Stanhope Place near Marble Arch on 13 June. By the time Chatfield arrives at Marble Arch with a team of walkers, including Simon Gambold, managing director of Henry Schein UK’s dental and medical business, she will have completed nearly 450 miles.

“According to the British Dental Health Foundation, over 1,800 people in the UK die from mouth cancer every year and oral cancer cases have increased by almost 50 per cent over the last decade,” said Simon Gambold. “We should all do our part to raise awareness of mouth cancer and this is a perfect opportunity to do that. I am very happy that our team supports the 500 Miles 4 Smiles project so enthusiastically.”

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