Three Questions for Olena Polikarchyk, Founder of Dental Help UA

A significant portion of funding comes from the Straumann Group.

— Olena, how did the idea for the foundation arise?

“From the first days of the war, my team and I launched many initiatives to help colleagues, doctors, and soldiers. We had a lot of energy and wanted to direct it toward something useful for victory. As in peacetime, WHITE Dental Group served as a catalyst for bigger initiatives. We understood we had to ensure our defenders do not suffer from tooth pain while performing combat tasks. It was also important they could chew properly, as food is a source of strength. Initially, we relied on the team and supportive dental clinics. Later, we received help from international partners.”

— Who are the main donors today?

“One of the most significant donors is the world’s leading dental implant manufacturer, Straumann Group, which provided 5,000 implants worth €1 million. These implants offer excellent clinical outcomes, fast healing, and reliable performance even in extreme conditions. Later, the ITI community in Switzerland joined with expertise and funding. Local ITI representatives formed the foundation’s expert board, advising on treating maxillofacial injuries in wartime.”

— What are the future plans for the foundation?

“We already see that the need for restoring defenders’ smiles will only grow. Many soldiers will not return to the front line and will require full dental rehabilitation. Therefore, the foundation will have significant work ahead. Current challenges include creating a sustainable funding mechanism and fostering even stronger unity among dentists — and that’s exactly what we are working on.”

Source: NV