In response to the devastating wildfires currently affecting Los Angeles County, the CDA Foundation has launched the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund to offer assistance to dentists and dental staff impacted by the disaster. The foundation is now accepting tax-deductible donations from the dental community, including colleagues, patients, friends, and family, to support the safety, well-being, and recovery of those affected.
The Wildfire Relief Fund is particularly aimed at providing immediate assistance to dental professionals whose practices and lives have been disrupted by the ongoing fires. As of January 16, 29 dentists in the affected areas have already reported claims to The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC). The CDA expects this number to rise as more reports are received.
CDA President Max Martinez, DDS, highlighted the broad impact of the fires, noting that the destruction has caused significant losses and damage across the region. “Given the extent of the loss and damage, I imagine all of us know someone who could use all the help they can get — now and through the coming months,” Martinez said.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, two of the five active wildfires in the area, broke out on January 7 and have already caused at least 24 fatalities, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and forced more than 150,000 residents to evacuate. With ongoing evacuations and warnings for tens of thousands, many dental professionals and their families are in dire need of support as they work through the devastation.
The CDA Foundation is offering Disaster Relief Grants to individual dentists, dental staff, and dental society staff members who have been directly affected by the wildfires. Applications for the grants will be accepted through April 7 and will assist with emergency needs and recovery costs. This fund is available to all members of the dental team, including dental assistants, hygienists, business office staff, and laboratory technicians, as well as staff from local dental societies.
Lindley Zerbe, DDS, Chair of the CDA’s Board of Component Representatives, emphasized the strength of the dental community’s spirit, saying, “Our dental colleagues and their families have a long road to recovery ahead, but the dental community is a generous and closely connected one, and we are all working together to provide support.” The CDA Foundation’s efforts are supplemented by a Wellness Program, one-on-one guidance on insurance concerns, and the continued collaboration of local dental societies.
In addition to the relief fund, the CDA has donated dental kits to four community services organizations—Westchester Family YMCA, Special Needs Network, Hope of the Valley, and New Revelation Baptist Church—and is coordinating with Henry Schein to set up a separate supplies relief fund.
Karin Irani, ADA 13th District Trustee and a practicing dentist in Los Angeles, expressed the personal impact of the tragedy, saying, “This tragedy feels deeply personal as I hear about so many family members and friends who have lost their homes and offices. However, I am greatly moved by the incredible generosity and solidarity within our community.”
Donations, no matter the size, will go a long way in aiding the recovery process for those who are struggling in the wake of this disaster. The CDA Foundation encourages all members of the dental profession to contribute and apply for assistance through this initiative.
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