Timothy Garvey, D.M.D., received a 2020 Health Equity Hero Award on August 24 from DentaQuest. This year’s award was dubbed “Heroes in the Time of COVID-19” and marks the sixth year that this award has been given to celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to expand access to equitable oral care and health care.
Garvey, a clinical assistant professor in the UF Department of Pediatric Dentistry, received the award in recognition for his long-term focus on access to dental care for individuals with disabilities and special health care needs — an underserved population that has had unique challenges during the pandemic. These patients need continued, routine oral health care, but their medical and physical state requires providers like Garvey to design modifications in delivery of care beyond the routine.
The award comes with a $5,000 contribution from DentaQuest to an organization committed to promoting health equity; Garvey chose to support the FreeDOM Clinic of Marion County with his award.
“Coronavirus exposed stark truths about our nation’s long-standing health disparities, hitting low-income communities especially hard and highlighting gaps in health literacy, access to care and trust in our systems of care,” said DentaQuest President and CEO Steve Pollock. “DentaQuest is proud to once again highlight the outstanding work of individuals who are responding to the health challenges of our time. The 2020 Health Equity Heroes in the Age of COVID-19 are bright spots that give us a glimpse of our country’s potential for compassion and change.”
Garvey also received a 2020 Superior Accomplishment Award from UF for his exemplary dedication to community service.
In addition to celebrating and promoting the contributions of the 2020 Health Equity Heroes, DentaQuest is providing a $5,000 charitable contribution in the name of each hero to a nonprofit committed to promoting health equity.
Garvey is one of just 12 individuals honored by DentaQuest Health Equity Heroes in the Time of COVID-19 this year. You can learn about all the 2020 Health Equity Heroes here.
About DentaQuest
DentaQuest is a purpose-driven oral health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all. We do this through Preventistry® – our all-in approach to better care, expanded access, value-based financing, and innovative solutions. We manage dental and vision benefits for 27+ million Americans and provide direct patient care through our network of more than 80 oral health centers in 6 states. We provide outcomes-based, cost-effective dental solutions for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals nationwide. And, we’ve invested more than $200 million in grants and programs to achieve measurably healthier communities across the country. By advancing prevention-focused oral health, we will achieve better overall health for everyone.