Dental Foundation Finalizes Board Selections Awards GKAS Grant

Dental Foundation Finalizes Board Selections Awards GKAS Grant

Dr. Maria Maranga, Suffolk County, is the new chair of the New York State Dental Foundation, succeeding Dr. G. Kirk Gleason. Dr. Maranga was the choice of the NYSDF Board of Trustees, which selected its officers for 2023 at its meeting in October. Serving alongside her will be: Dr. Ronald Bellohusen, vice chair; Dr. Robert Peskin, secretary; and Dr. Lawrence Volland, treasurer.

The Board also approved the nominations of two additions to the Board for one-year terms. They are Dr. Richard Andolina Jr. and Dr. Lauren Baim. Chosen to serve three-year terms on the Board are Dr. Joseph Brofsky, Dr. Egidio Farone, Dr. Elizabeth Kapral, Dr. Maranga, Dr. Mary Ellen Luskawitz, Dr. David Miller and Dr. Jay Skolnick.

In other business, the Board approved a $1,000 Give Kids A Smile grant to be awarded to Dr. Renuka Bijoor a pediatric dentist from Briarcliff Manor. The money will support the GKAS program she helps to coordinate with, among others, the Ninth District Dental Association, Touro College of Dental Medicine and the Westchester Community Opportunity Program.

GKAS awards are intended to help improve the oral healthcare and access to care of underserved children.