In March 2023, with the support of United Concordia Dental, Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry and the School District of Philadelphia partnered to open the city’s first on-site pediatric dental clinic inside the William D. Kelley School in North Philadelphia. Now, two years later, United Concordia has reaffirmed its commitment to Kornberg’s work, donating an additional $100,000 that will help support the clinic’s operations moving forward. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of United Concordia Dental,” said Amid I. Ismail, dean of the Kornberg School of Dentistry. “In the past two years, the Children’s Dental Clinic at the William D. Kelley School has grown to become a vital resource for North Philadelphia children and their families, and this gift will allow us to continue promote oral health and ensure that young people in this community continue to have access to preventative care.” 

The donation was delivered by United Concordia to Temple and the School District of Philadelphia during a special check presentation held Monday, Feb. 10. Representatives from all three organizations attended the event, which was also held this month in recognition of National Children's Dental Health Month. 

“Supporting children’s oral health is an investment in their future, as untreated dental issues can lead to missed school, difficulty concentrating and long-term health problems,” said Roosevelt Allen, chief dental officer of United Concordia Dental. “We’re thrilled to renew our partnership with the Kornberg School of Dentistry and the School District of Philadelphia to broaden access to quality dental care for underserved children in North Philadelphia, helping them build stronger, healthier lives.” 

The dental clinic at William D. Kelley School is fully staffed by Kornberg School of Dentistry faculty, staff and students, and its services offered are widespread. Patients can receive full dental care, including examination, cleaning and preventative treatments. 

The clinic’s services are available to North Philadelphia children and adolescents through age 16 as well as children with special healthcare needs. Patients receive care regardless of their insurance status. 

The clinic features four fully equipped dental stations, including a space specially designed to serve children with autism and other disabilities.

"Temple Dentistry at W.D. Kelley remains an invaluable resource that strengthens our partnership and commitment to supporting student’s overall success and wellbeing,” said Crystal Edwards, KLN '98, principal at William D. Kelley School. “We are incredibly grateful that Philadelphia students have access to comprehensive dental care on-site, eliminating a major barrier for families and ensuring that students can focus on their education without the added stress of unmet health needs for families.” 

The opening of the Children’s Dental Clinic at William D. Kelley School in 2023 followed a five-year planning process between Temple and the School District of Philadelphia. In the future, Kornberg hopes to potentially open additional dental clinics that could further serve the Philadelphia community. 

“This type of work very much aligns with both Temple University and the Kornberg School of Dentistry,” Ismail said. “At Kornberg, we have always been focused on service, particularly when it comes to providing care to the underserved and care to individuals who may have limited access to dental care. It is refreshing to have United Concordia Dental as a partner who shares this vision, and we are eager to continue partnering with them well into the future.”