SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Charles (Charlie) Goldstein was honored with the first California Dental Association (CDA) Foundation Humanitarian Award in a presentation at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family, friends and colleagues on Saturday, May 10. Dr. Goldstein passed away the following night. He was 87 years old. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080514/AQW538)
The CDA Foundation Humanitarian Award was recently established by the Foundation to recognize California dentists who have distinguished themselves by outstanding, unselfish leadership and contributions to fellow human beings in the field of dentistry. Dr. Goldstein was chosen to be the first recipient for his leadership to the profession of dentistry, for his efforts with the University of Southern California (USC) Mobile Clinic program and a career of other philanthropic oral health activities helping thousands of underserved men, women and children. He was nominated by CDA President-Elect Carol Gomez Summerhays, DDS, who was mentored by Dr. Goldstein.
"Charlie had such an incredible heart. He was a model of a true servant leader. Those around him were compelled to follow his example. His legacy will live on in the lives he has touched so deeply," remembered Summerhays. A $2,500 award contribution will be given by the CDA Foundation to the USC Mobile Clinic in Dr. Goldstein's name.
The Foundation had scheduled the award presentation for Dr. Goldstein at CDA's House of Delegates meeting in November, but made the decision to present the award to Dr. Goldstein last Saturday at his home after learning of his declining health. CDA Foundation Ambassador Santos Cortez, Jr., DDS and close colleague of Dr. Goldstein presented the award.
"Dr. Goldstein's involvement in the USC Mobile Clinic program's shift in the patient population to underserved children is an extraordinary example of his actions that are making a difference in other's lives. His unsung heroism represents the heart of the dental profession," said Cortez.
Since 1970 when Dr. Goldstein assumed the leadership of the USC Mobile Clinic program, more than $1 million in free services have been given away annually.
Dr. Harold C. Slavkin, DDS, dean of the USC School of Dentistry said of Goldstein, "His entire life was dedicated to championing the cause of the poor and working poor in California. Through 'service-learning' our residents, dental students and dental hygiene students have learned clinical dentistry and experienced the needs of the underserved." According to Slavkin, since 2000, the Mobile Clinic program has reached just over 400,000 children throughout California.
In learning about Dr. Goldstein's passing, Bruce G. Toy, DDS and CDA Foundation Chair issued the following statement:
"The CDA Foundation was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Goldstein's passing on Sunday. He represented the best of professional dentistry through his selfless service, leadership and commitment to helping to improve the quality of life and oral health of thousands of children who would not have had access to care without his efforts. His endless compassion will live on
through the lives he has touched. Dr. Goldstein has left a mark on dentistry that will be difficult to replicate."
"Dr. Goldstein has been my close friend and mentor for many years. He has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to me and many who have had the privilege of knowing him. He made an impact in so many personal and professional lives. He will be deeply missed," said Santos Cortez, Jr. DDS.
The CDA Foundation was formed as the philanthropic affiliate of the California Dental Association in 2001 with the mission to improve the oral health of Californians by supporting the dental health profession and its efforts to increase access to care for the state's most vulnerable people. The CDA Foundation works with experts in the dental profession, private business, academic institutions and government to produce programs that increase access to care, promote prevention education and intervention, advance health policy research and build a sustainable oral health workforce. http://www.cdafoundation.org.