FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMMITSBURG, MD ~ June 22, 2007
Proper dental health is just one of the many issues facing persons who are poor. Many jobs simply do not provide health insurance or dental coverage. In response to the growing variety of needs of people in northern Frederick County, Seton Center began the DePaul Dental Program.

Seton Center, though widely known for providing emergency assistance for families, unveiled DePaul Dental with the goal of aiding persons in the long term. The work began early in 2006 when Sister Ellen Eisenberger first met with community leaders about the possibility of a dental program. Although children are able to receive adequate services through the government program CHIRP, she discovered that not much has been done to help adults, whose general health and job situations could benefit from addressing their dental problems.

Through the generosity of many local dentists and oral surgeons in the Frederick County and Gettysburg areas, the DePaul Dental Program is able to obtain much needed dental procedures at a discounted rate. The fees incurred are paid through several grants and individual donations.

Ten clients have already been a part of DePaul Dental. One said, "I cannot say it enough how professional and helpful my dentist has been."

The participating dentists and oral surgeons have also found it to be a rewarding and positive experience. Doctor Love, DDS, from Thurmont was pleased to know that Seton Center had started the program: "There is no other service like this for people in Frederick County."

Dental office staff keep in close contact with Seton Center, so as to monitor what types of procedures each client will receive and the corresponding cost.

The DePaul Dental Program has great possibilities for expansion in the years to come, as the waiting list of persons in need of dental care continues to grow. With the help of grants, sponsors, and community members, Seton Center will be able to continue this important aspect of its ministry.

About the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul

In 1633 Vincent DePaul and Louise de Marillac established the Company of the Daughters of Charity as a group of women who committed their lives to the service of Christ in the person of those who are poor, and who recognized prayer and community life as essential elements of their vocation of service.

Almost two centuries later, Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Foundress of the Sisters of Charity in America, adapted the rule of the French Daughters of Charity for her community. In 1850, the community established by Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland united with the Daughters of Charity in Paris and became an American province of the international community. Subsequently, other American provinces were created as needs evolved.

Within the Roman Catholic Church, the Daughters of Charity are recognized as a Society of Apostolic Life called to serve Jesus Christ in persons who are poor and marginalized.

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