Partnership with The Second Step

42 North Dental continues to find opportunities to further our vision of healthy, confident smiles for life. We know that a beautiful smile is more than just a healthy smile. It is the confidence to face the world, tackle new challenges, and create a better future.  That is why we have partnered with The Second Step (TSS), a non-profit organization that changes lives for survivors of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a serious and costly public health crisis. In a field like dentistry where we treat thousands of people every month, it is likely we encounter people who are impacted by domestic violence on a regular basis.

  • In the U.S., 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
  • 1 in 3 teens reports knowing a friend or peer who has been abused by a partner.
  • Nationwide, an average of 3 women are killed by a current or former intimate partner every day – about 1,400 deaths annually.
  • The cost of domestic violence in the U.S. exceeds $6.2 billion each year.

Survivors of domestic violence often fall through the social safety net, and their health can suffer.  They may have money that is temporarily inaccessible for needed health and dental care. They may be homeless, have injuries caused by violence, or simply be afraid or embarrassed to seek proper treatment. Often survivors are building new lives, looking for jobs, and caring for children. Often at the expense of caring for themselves.  A healthy, confident smile can be an asset as they create a new future for themselves and their families.

A partnership with 42 North Dental will give The Second Step access to pro bono dental care for eligible clients across all of their programs and in communities across Massachusetts.  And it will give 42 North Dental supported doctors and practices direct access to information, training, and support to address the important issue of domestic violence as it may appear in our offices.  The partnership will also allow for the sharing of valuable information and help to our employees and patients.  Together, we can change lives!

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about the second step

The Second Step (TSS) is a community of survivors, advocates and volunteers who foster the safety, stability, and well-being of those who have experienced domestic violence. Since 1992, TSS has partnered with thousands of survivors to address the aftermath of abuse and build brighter futures for themselves and their children.

TSS knows that services alone are not sufficient to help survivors heal from their trauma, nor can awareness campaigns make the necessary impact in abuse prevention. TSS provides comprehensive services, including safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, peer support, transitional housing, and other essential services to adults, youth, and children in Greater Boston and Metro West.

  • Residential programs housing families
  • Community programs serving adults and children
  • Steps to Justice providing thousands of hours of legal representation
  • Youth prevention programs serving children and youth directly, and over 2,400 youth and teens through prevention workshops and programming

Please listen to a few voices from the community served by TSS:

Learn more:

Partnership

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  • Partnership will be piloted in MA.
  • Offices sign up to volunteer their services.
  • The Second Step (TSS) will refer patients to the Clinical Affairs (CA) team at 42 North Dental.
  • CA will assign patients to an office based on location and patient needs.
  • Patients will be given a card/ coin to provide as discreet notice of being part of the program.
  • Patients will be seen and treated just like regular patients.
  • Services will be provided (as deemed needed by the provider) to achieve positive Oral Health and to restore smiles.

More details will be provided as the program is rolled out

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The Second Step will Provide :

  • Awareness Training
  • Mandated Reporting Process Training
  • Ethics discussion
  • Materials to share with patients
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Sister Organizations for CT and NH (after pilot)
  • Cross Promotion with 42 North Dental practices in the community

42 North Dental will Provide:

  • Dental Services as needed
  • Compassion
  • Empathy
  • Confidentiality
  • Ensure availability of The Second Step’s materials in office for patients as needed
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Provide a “Red Carpet” Experience for Patients referred by TSS

  • Compassion
  • Empathy
  • Trust and confidentiality so that TSS Patient is not unintentionally singled out as a “survivor”
  • Patience
  • Listen to the patients needs/ wants
  • Deliver beyond expectations
  • High Quality Care encompassing all dental needs
  • Specialty care as needed
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For more information on how your practice can be part of The Second Step partnership, please email Dr. Mike Scialabba at michael.scialabba@42northdental.com.