Chinese Colleagues Send Support and Supplies
As the virus continues to sweep through the Greater Rochester, NY area and the U.S., treating people with dental emergencies continues to be an important priority.
During this time of crisis, the kind and generous support from our colleagues in China has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated. Because of their support, Eastman Institute providers and specialists are able to treat many vulnerable patients each day who have emergency dental needs.
For years, Eastman Institute and the Peking University School of Stomatology in Beijing, China have shared a Memorandum of Understanding, where faculty and students from each institute have participated in various exchanges, including educational presentations, teaching, studying, clinical observations and research.
Peking University School of Stomatology Dean Dr. Chuanbin Guo, Associate Dean Dr. Yong Jiang, and Chair, General Dentistry Dr. Jie Pan, sent Eastman much-needed protective goggles and face shields.
“Like you, we never stop our clinical services for those with dental emergencies in this tough time and we are also committed to doing our part to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Guo. “Global challenges will only be solved through global partnerships. We greatly cherish our friendship with you and your school. People around the whole world are working together to fight with COVID-19 and I am sure we will make it soon.”
In addition, several faculty members at Peking University School of Stomatology who previously studied at Eastman Institute, together purchased and sent us hundreds of N-95 and surgical masks.
“We are very thankful and moved by the kindness of the school’s leadership, in addition to Drs. Tongkai Xu, Jinwei Huang, Jingting Yu, Lin Wang, Siyu Li, Wenshu Ge, Di Le, Xiaoyi Zhao, Wei Yong, Na An, Yong Jiang and Jie Pan,” said Dr. YanFang Ren, Professor and Director, Howitt Dental Urgent Care at EIOH. “We understand that supplies are still limited, and we’re very grateful for their generosity.”
On behalf of all the students who studied at Eastman Institute, Dr. Siyu Li shared that they are all concerned about their friends and mentors and are happy to help their alma mater.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit New York State hard, and we are all worried about our friends and mentors at EIOH,” she said. “Although we are in China where the epidemic situation has markedly improved, we are concerned about protective equipment shortages in the U.S.
“Fighting against the epidemic is a common responsibility of the whole world,” she added. “We wish our alma mater, the United States, China, and the world a rapid victory in the fight against the COVID 19 pandemic!”
Despite travel restrictions, shipments of supplies from friends and colleagues throughout China and California have arrived or will arrive soon. They include:
Oral health Center from Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital in Shanghai
Qingdao Hospital of Stomatology
Yinchuan Hospital of Stomatology
Henan University College of Medicine School of Stomatology
Henan University Sath Hospital of Stomatology
Zenni Optical
iHealth Labs
“We’re very grateful that people are thinking about us in this time of need,” said Dr. Eli Eliav, professor and director, Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Because of their support, we’re able to serve those in need while helping keep patients with dental emergencies out of hospital emergency departments.”