After almost twenty hours of traveling, Dr. Jack landed in Dubai. From there he traveled to Sharja University to deliver his presentation at the local AADMD student lead program for medical, dental and other students and faculty. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with local health professions students and witness their commitment to improving the health of people of determination in the UAE. The very successful event also brought together the AADMD leaders from America.
The Special Olympics brought together over 7,500 people of determination from 179 countries. There were over 70,000 people attending the opening ceremony with Sheike Kalifa bin Zayed from Abu Dhabi, in attendance. His support of the Special Olympics was evident in all of the events, logistics along with promoting the conversion of the term “people with special needs” to “people of determination.”
The Healthy Athlete program of clinics for the athletes, created by Dr. Steve Perlman, with oral health as the initial services provided, continues to be an incredible opportunity to provide multiple needed health services to the athletes. The opportunity to meet with various athlete coaches, former professional athlete supporters and the Shriver family was an added thrill.
Dr. Jack Dillenberg looks forward to the new PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs, not for profit, dental clinic official opening on April 18th in Phoenix – located on Bell Road and 45th Street. It is a carefully designed well equipped facility to meet the oral health needs of those with special needs.