The Capital Area Dental Foundation is blessed to have more than 90 dentists participating in one or more of its dental programs. Each month, these dedicated dentists take time away from their private practice to treat patients who may otherwise go without the dental care they need to lead healthy, productive and joyful lives.
Over the next year, CADF plans to spotlight some of these amazing dentists. This quarter CADF is spotlighting a dentist who is new to the foundation but has already made a strong impression: Dr. Staci Ianiro, an endodontist with Ianiro Endodontics.
Dr. Ianiro signed up as a Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) provider in June. Within a few weeks of becoming a HAAM provider, she decided to provide root canals to two HAAM patients at no cost so that they could use their $600 HAAM annual dental allowance for the crowns that they would require after their treatment.
“For many years, I have donated financially to CADF, but at the 2014 Gala, I decided to also become a dental service provider. The reason is a very personal one. I was a foster child from the age of eight until I was almost twelve. I understand what it means to depend on people’s kindness for basic medical and dental needs. I remember when I was nine, I needed glasses. There were only two frame styles that I could choose from, both very plain and “boyish.” The eye doctor saw how much I wanted these girly pink frames that were not “covered.” When I went to get my new glasses fitted, the lens were in those amazing pink frames. I was never told, but I knew the eye doctor made sure I got those glasses. Now I can give back in my own way!
One of the HAAM patients who benefited from Dr. Ianiro’s generosity is a musician named “Steven.” Dr. Ianiro provided a root canal to Steven at no charge so that he could use the rest of his HAAM benefit for other dental needs.
“Dental health is such an important part of life. Knowing you’re being helped on the cost makes it easier to choose the right treatment when needed and not put it off. I will never forget Dr. Ianiro’s generosity. I’m so glad HAAM and CADF exist. My life would be completely different without the availability of healthcare and encouragement to continue making and sharing music.” “Steven,” HAAM patient
Dr. Ianiro was named a “Top Texas Dentist” in the Texas Monthly for three years in a row (2010-2014) and is active with the Texas Dental Association, the Capital Area Dental Society, the St. David’s Foundation and now, the Capital Area Dental Foundation. She encourages other dentists to find a way to get involved in charitable dentistry:
“The need for dental care is extensive in our community and we all have the power to help. The more dentists that become providers, the more people we can treat. You never know, you could provide care for someone who in the future becomes inspired to give back in their own way, like a nine-year-old foster child who NEEDED a pair of glasses, but WANTED something special.”
If you would like to nominate a dentist who you believe has gone above and beyond, please email Amy Spiro, CADF’s communications director at aspiro@austin.rr.com.
