In the United States there is nearly one hate crime committed EVERY hour… now there is a way to help



Stemming from his concern over the countless headlines detailing violent acts of hate, Dr. Fischer, president of Ultradent Products, created Smiles Against Hate—a non-profit organization committed to preventing hate crimes through promoting diversity and fostering multicultural awareness among individuals from all walks of life. Here are some often asked questions about the organization and their community involvement.

Why focus on hate-crimes and diversity?
Because it is something that touches every one of us. According to the FBI, there is a hate crime committed every hour. Many feel this number is drastically under reported. You have seen the headlines: A gay man crucified in Wyoming; a black man dragged to his death in Texas; hundreds killed in an Oklahoma bombing; thousands dead in Washington D.C., New York, and Pennsylvania. These are hate crimes and none of us are immune from them–yet each of us can do our part to prevent them.

How you can help
First, by understanding that we are all different in some way is a good beginning. Educating others and ourselves about diversity and the beauty that each culture, religion, race, gender, orientation, and ability brings to our communities is vital. So is an education about the causes and preventions of hate crimes– crimes that target the victim simply because “they are different.”

The dental community works with a broad spectrum of humanity– young and old; male and female; rich and poor; every race, culture, religion–everyone. You work hands-on with patients who have been affected by discrimination or even a victim. Dental professionals touch a wide variety of lives and are respected professionals in the community…who better to mobilize for this effort?

For example, dentists Steven Lynch and Rick Mitchell hosted a successful fundraising effort in their Oxford, Alabama practice. The dental office offered a tooth-whitening fundraiser, hoping to raise a few hundred dollars for hate crimes prevention. Instead, the small Alabama community rallied together to raise over $20,000 for the non-profit’s Smiles Against Hate For Hope program.

How to get more information on Smiles Against Hate?
Please feel free to contact this organization through a variety of methods:
• By mail: Smiles Against Hate • 505 W. 10200 S. South Jordan, UT 84095
Phone: 888-216-2122
Internet: www.smilesagainsthate.org
Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who or what do you turn to for most financial advice regarding your practice?
  
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2025 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450