The Faces of Change
Thank you, Dennis Owens, news anchor, clinic volunteer and patient parent; and Anthony Durso and team at ABC27 in Harrisburg!
Imagine not being able to smile like everyone else. Or eat, or drink, or talk, or even hear like everyone else. A child born with a cleft lip and/or palate may not be able to eat, swallow, or speak in the “normal” way. The incredible team at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic treats the unique combination of needs for each patient, walking side-by-side with them through 20 years of surgeries and other treatments all while encouraging those beautiful smiles.
While the Clinic has long been at the forefront of treatment and research, our equipment and facility have not kept pace with advances in technology and patient needs. That’s one of the challenges of being the nation’s sole independent cleft treatment clinic, the only one not embedded in a major medical center or university.
In early 2019 the time came to elevate the facility to match the exceptional level of care our patients receive. We’re delighted to share that despite the many challenges encountered during the nearly three years involved with making this happen—including a flooded lower level and the Covid 19 Pandemic—we have achieved that goal! Please join us in thanking all of our campaign volunteers and donors who have made this full, state-of-the-art renovation possible. The Clinic Team is already treating more patients—those with clefts and children with other special needs—in a better, brighter, modernized facility. Through their generosity the Clinic is poised to continue its vital work for many more years to come, bringing more smiles and life-changing treatments to our kids.
With grateful smiles,
Samuel Lombardo, Bunnie Buckwalter, and Liz Prada
PROACTIVE INFECTION PREVENTION
Following the latest guidelines from the CDC for dental care, our entire facility is now equipped with a building-wide HEPA filtration system, and negative pressure HVAC systems in all pediatric operatories and other treatment spaces.
INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY
Arriving for an appointment has become much easier—and safer. The Clinic’s main entrance has moved from Lime Street to the rear side of the building. The change puts the entrance right next to the parking lot—a more convenient location for everyone, especially parents with children in wheelchairs or strollers.
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE ADDITION
New plantings behind the building will beautify the entrance and reduce storm water runoff.
GOING UP
Stairs or a new elevator will take arriving families to the main floor.
ADJACENT IMPROVEMENTS
Handicapped parking spaces are moved next to the new entrance. The parking lot is repaved for smoother walking and wheelchair travel. A bright new mural now identifies the Clinic and enhances the neighborhood.
HELPING MORE KIDS
The renovations enable us to help children with special needs beyond craniofacial conditions. Other non-profit health care organizations refer their most complicated pediatric dental cases to the Clinic. These children usually have medical or behavioral conditions that require specialized care. Many have severe dental decay, the most common chronic childhood disease. It causes pain, infection, premature tooth loss, and problems with growth and development. If his or her mouth always hurts, a child can’t learn and grow properly. The Clinic is one of only a few dental practices in Lancaster County that participates in Medical Assistance programs.
Families enjoy how the main floor has “flipped,” moving the main entrance and waiting room to what is now the rear of the building. Patient care and support services have expanded to occupy almost the entire main floor. These renovated spaces benefit the families who spend hours at the Clinic on Team Day, seeing all their child’s specialists and therapists in one convenient visit.
AMENITIES FOR FAMILIES
THE LATEST IN PATIENT COMFORT
A cartoon or movie now playing on the ceiling-mounted television can help distract young patients during a procedure. The nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) line is plumbed up through the floor to hide equipment that might seem scary. We now have three additional pediatric dental rooms that have increased our capacity by 150%.
SOUNDPROOFING
For children with certain special needs, even trying to take a simple X-ray can elicit frightened cries. The treatment rooms now have sound-reducing doors and walls to lessen the impact on other children and their families. The rooms have been intentionally placed as far from the waiting room as possible.
PROACTIVE INFECTION PREVENTION
Following the latest guidelines from the CDC for dental care, all our orthodontic treatment rooms have been made private.
LET THE SUNSHINE IN
In the building’s southwest corner, we have introduced four new, private orthodontic suites which have access to natural light. Exposure to natural light has been proven to benefit patients in health care settings.
A PLACE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PATIENTS
The renovation creates a separate, enclosed room for orthodontic exams and procedures. The quiet space is more soothing and less distracting for children on the autism spectrum or those with behavioral issues.
IMPROVING OUTCOMES
The Clinic has long been a leader in cleft research, thanks in large part to Director Emeritus Dr. Ross Long, the grandson of Clinic founder Dr. H. K. Cooper. Now located in a new research suite, Clinic staff continue to participate in studies that determine the most effective treatments for various craniofacial anomalies.
The team approach—bringing all the specialists and therapists together in one place to decide the best treatment plan for each patient—has long been the Clinic’s hallmark. The modernization project includes elements that foster the team culture to the ultimate benefit of patients.
NEW TEAM SPACES
Weekly team meetings have moved to a larger, more functional, dedicated room on the lower level. On the main level, a small conference room with five workstations provides a space for specialists to work or meet with colleagues between patient appointments.
“VOLUNTEER” APPRECIATION
Several team members’ services are donated by other health care organizations, enabling these specialists to spend one to four days a month treating patients at the Clinic. Improved work spaces for them signal our gratitude for their commitment to our mission and our patients.
CATCHING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY
The modernization includes new diagnostic and treatment tools for hearing, speech, and feeding as well as upgrades to electronic medical records systems. Computers and servers have been upgraded or replaced throughout the organization, improving staff efficiency and productivity.
Honorary Committee
Gib and Marty Armstrong
Ann B. Barshinger
Philip and Patricia Frey
Bill and Kitt Gamber
Steering Committee
Sam Lombardo, Co-Chair, CEO, Benecon
Bunnie Buckwalter, Co-Chair, Real Estate Developer
James I. Alton, Consultant, Lindsley Development Consulting
John Cooper, President, Cooper Dentistry
Scott Fiore President, TriStarr Staffing
Dave Hanson CEO, Fulton Financial Advisors
Ross Kramer CEO, Listrak
Todd T. Lindsley, Principal, Lindsley Development Consulting
Rusty Long, Orthodontist and LCPC CEO Emeritus (retired)
Amanda Owens, President, Martin Owens Group
Dennis Owens, News Anchor, ABC-27 Harrisburg
Mark Richards, Lobbyist, S. R. Wodjak & Associates
Ed Carr, Executive (retired)
Communications Committee
Amanda Owens, Co-Chair President, Martin Owens Group
Dennis Owens, Co-Chair News Anchor, ABC-27 Harrisburg
Maureen Rostolsky, Co-Chair Speech Therapist, LCPC Staff (retired)
Teddie Chairsell, Community Volunteer
Kae Wagner, President, North Star Marketing
Beth Bostwick, President, Masterpiece Marketing
Rebecca Bissonnette, Administrative Assistant, Highmark
Suzanne Woodard, Social Worker, LCPC Staff
Lisa Freeman, Comptroller, VIZpin
$1.2 million
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
$750,000
Samuel N. and Dena M. Lombardo
$100,000-$749,000
Armstrong World Industries Foundation
Armstrong World Industries (In Kind)
Ann B. Barshinger
Madelyn “Bunnie” Buckwalter*
The Clark Associates Charitable Foundation
Hon. Robert J. and Anita Y. Eby*
Bill and Kitt Gamber
Estate of Michael Nunziata
Henry Schein, Inc. (In Kind)
Dwight and Kae Wagner*
$50,000-$99,999
Meg and Peter Brubaker
Ed and Barbara Carr
Philip and Patricia Frey
High Foundation
The Thomas A. and Georgina T. Russo Family Foundation
The Weiss Family
$10,000-49,999
A-DEC Inc. (In Kind)
Mary Ellen Bachman
Dr. and Mrs. William R A Boben, Jr.
Frank Carano, DDS*
Clinic Staff Collective
Compass Network Group (In Kind)
Dr. and Mrs. John A. Cooper, Jr.
Victor DaCosta and Elizabeth Prada DaCosta*
Ecore International (In Kind)
Lisa and Robert Freeman*
James and Iris Frey
Fulton Bank
The Gamber Foundation
Dr. John and Susan Garofola
Marjorie Gerhardt (in honor of Ryan and Kylie Gerhardt)
Cory and Jennifer Giltner
Mr. and Mrs. David B. Hanson*
The Estate of Jean Hennen
Tim and Debbie Kershner*
The Josiah W. and Bessie H. Kline Foundation
Larmore Scarlett LLP
Ross and Barbara Long*
Donald and Susan Mackay*
Howard Kelin and Maryann Marotta*
Martin Owens Group
Rotary Club Of Lancaster
Mace and Joyce Rothenberg
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Samson
Dr. and Mrs. Gary Seldomridge
Jack and Joni Soost
Kenneth and Susan Stoudt
TriStarr
Jack Vogel
The J. William Warehime Foundation
Richard and Nancy Witwer
Wayne and Cheri Work*
$1,000-$9,000
Albert Einstein Medical Center Orthodontic Alumni Association
The Allen Family Foundation
Bruce and Christie Alton
Hon. and Mrs. Gibson Armstrong
Art By Smiths (in-kind)
Bob and Julie Belser
Stefan Bender
Mark and Erin Brinser
Bernard and Beth Bostwick
Althea Ramsay Carrigan
Fred and Teddie Chairsell
Derck & Edson (in-kind)
F. David Foulk
Eugene and Bernadette Gardner
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Gemmi
Dr. Edward Gold
Andrew and Samantha Gordon*
Tim and Marcia Hamilton (in memory of Al Hamilton)
Justin and Emily Herbert
Steven Farrell and Andrea Smith
Dr. Austin Feeney and Virginia Gambale
Daniel and Lauren Grossman
Clarence and Jody Kegel
Barry and Carol Keller
Scott and Cathryn Hill Ketterman
Ross and Krista Kramer
Lancaster County Dental Society
W F Vann, Jr. and J Y Lee
Mark Boyd Photography (in-kind)
Dr. James Macomson
Dr. and Mrs. Harold Middleberg
Sarah Wentzel and James Muiter*
Dr. John Nista
Dr. Kathleen Pale
Stephan and Mary Anna Pavlos
Joe and Justine Rogevich
Dr. Lisa Russell
Robert L. Schroeder
Craig and Rachel Sharnetka
The Stoutland Family
Two Dudes Painting Company (In Kind)
Henry H. Ross & Son, Inc. (In Kind)
Susan Scott
Michael and Andrea Shirk
Justin and Candice Sylvestre
Dr. and Mrs. Britt Vinson
Michael and Denise Warfel
Dr. Wasna Dabbagh (in Honor of Khaerea Saeed)
Dr. Chris Wenderoth
Dr. Sean Willcutts
Chris and Suzanne Woodard
*Denotes a Clinic Board Member
Thank you for your dedicated service!
Wayne Work, Chairman
Owner, Work Computer Solutions
Scott Fiore, Vice Chairman
President, Tri-Starr Staffing
Kae G. Wagner, Secretary
President, North Star Marketing
Timothy Kershner, Treasurer
CPA, Principal Walz Group
Frank D. Carano, DDS
Dentist (retired) Carano Dental Group
Lisa Freeman
Comptroller, VIZpin
Andrew J. Gordon
Vice President, Fulton Bank
Howard L. Kelin, Esq.
Partner, Kegel, Kelin, Litts & Lord LLP
Ronald H. Pollock, Esq.
Attorney-at-law Saxton & Stump
Thomas D. Samson, MD
Plastic Surgeon, Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Sarah Wentzel, DMD, MS
Orthodontist, Lancaster Orthodontic Associates, LLC
Rusty Long, DMD, MS, PhD
Orthodontist (retired), LCPC Executive
Director Emeritus, ex officio
Elizabeth K. Prada, DMD, MPH
Executive Director and Pediatric Dentist,
ex officio