Erik Montlack, Delta Dental of Massachusetts (left), and Dr. Abe Abdul of the Massachusetts Dental Society
dental schools: Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM), Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Now, Abdul and Montlack are calling on insurers and looking to work with legislators in Massachusetts to join the fight against food insecurity and address other urgent issues for dental students.
He also worked to raise awareness about food insecurity, sharing the issue with colleagues such as Erik Montlack, president of Delta Dental of Massachusetts. Montlack, who was surprised to learn about the severity of the issue, immediately agreed to match MDS’s gift.
“Food insecurity is a low-hanging fruit,” Abdul said. “There are so many other issues we could step up and solve—like student loans, student debt, student housing, assistance for international students—if we put away the protocols, the politics, and the red tape.”
“I felt really strongly that this was something we needed to get involved in,” said Montlack. “For us, it’s an opportunity for partnership. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to dental students who are the future of the workforce.”
Montlack agreed. “The more we start to work together, listen, and build relationships, the more we can accomplish.”
With the funds received, GSDM is planning to install a vending machine that will provide dental students with fresh food options, such as salads and sandwiches, and offer steep discounts to students who need it. The funds will also supplement non-perishable snacks available for pickup in the Student Affairs office.
E D I T O R ’ S N O T E : To donate to this cause at GSDM, please visit bu.edu/dental/alumni/ways-to-give and select GSDM Student Food Support Fund from the drop-down menu. Or, to pledge a significant gift, please contact Catie Dargue at cdargue@bu.edu
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