Citibank Helps Dentists Expand Their Practice In The Hispanic Community.

Citibank, Henry Schein, Inc. and the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA), announced a landmark alliance that will help dentists serving Hispanic communities start and expand their dental practices. The agreement is a result of Citibank’s, Henry Schein’s and the HDA’s strong commitment to the Hispanic community and their recognition of the benefits of improved oral healthcare.

As part of the alliance, Citibank will offer a comprehensive set of financial solutions to HDA members seeking to launch or expand their dental practices. The Citi Dental Suite includes working capital loans, equipment leasing programs, commercial and personal banking services, patient financing programs, and dental practice financing offered through Citibank’s arrangement with Henry Schein, the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. In addition, Citibank will also make available through its Small Business Administration program $10 million in low interest-rate loans to eligible dental practitioners who provide oral healthcare in underserved communities and do not qualify for conventional loans.

“We are committed to building stronger communities through responsible and innovative financing programs,” said Ellen Alemany, Executive Vice President in charge of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group. “Together with HDA, we want to help Hispanic dental practitioners grow their practices and provide optimal oral healthcare to all their patients. Our aim is to use the broad range of Citibank’s financial products and services to help develop vibrant and healthy communities.”

“As our country’s Hispanic population continues to increase, we are pleased that this initiative will assist practitioners serving this growing patient base, a significant percentage of which is currently underserved,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “We stand ready to partner with HAD members in all areas of the practice, including offering a comprehensive selection of financial services to help practitioners operate more efficient and profitable practices while delivering the highest level of quality oral healthcare to patients.”

“We are excited about this alliance and what it will offer our members and their patients,” said Ivan Lugo, the President of HDA. “HDA’s mission is to optimize the oral health of our Hispanic community, and with this arrangement our mission will become even stronger. By joining forces with Citibank and Henry Schein, we can now help our members achieve their long-term goals and provide enhanced oral healthcare to their patients.”