Press Release Details

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, medical and animal health practitioners, delivered the commencement address at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130531/NY23530)

Addressing the graduates of the 2013 class, Mr. Bergman discussed the remarkable changes in dentistry over the past three decades, noting that those changes will be eclipsed by the even more extraordinary changes that new graduates will see in dentistry during their practice careers.  He stressed the importance of embracing new technology and constantly looking for new and improved solutions to provide comprehensive care to patients. 

"Dentists today must not only see their patients in the chair, but look well beyond the dental chair to a much larger world of oral health care," said Mr. Bergman. "Orient your practice to your patient's total health. Be a leader in the larger health care team protecting the overall health of your patient and a strong advocate for the important role that dentistry plays in the continuum of care by collaborating with dental and medical colleagues."

Mr. Bergman emphasized the need to adapt one's practice to changes in the patient population.  "Within the next three decades, those who trace their roots to the developing world will represent the majority of the United States population...the minority will be the majority," he continued. "Respect cultural differences, make sure your staff reflects the faces of your patients, and align your community outreach to give back to growing patient population segments."

The graduation was officiated by Dr. Ray C. Williams, Dean, Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine; the Grand Marshall, Dr. Aaron Segal; and a member of the Class of 2013, Dr. Michael Plaut, who gave the graduate response. The graduating class included 36 members receiving Doctor of Dental Surgery Degrees and 21 receiving post-doctoral certificates.

Dean Williams noted, "I applaud Stanley Bergman and Henry Schein, Inc. for their tremendous commitment to social responsibility through Henry Schein Cares which is helping to bring oral health care to the world."

About Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine
The primary mission of the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine is to educate caring and skilled dentists who are well prepared to enter private practice or enter graduate or specialty training programs. The School also serves the profession with its continuing education programs and promotes the mission of Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine through collaborative efforts in teaching, research and service. 

About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, medical and animal health practitioners.  The Company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, and other alternate care sites.  A Fortune 500® Company and a member of the NASDAQ 100® Index, Henry Schein employs more than 15,500 Team Schein Members and serves more than 775,000 customers.

The Company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care.  Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 96,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 110,000 additional products available as special-order items.

The Company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services.

Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 25 countries.  The Company's sales reached a record $8.9 billion in 2012, and have grown at a compound annual rate of 17 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.  For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com.

SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.

Susan Vassallo, Vice President, Corporate Communications, (631) 843-5562 , susan.vassallo@henryschein.com