Doreen and James Pienkowski of South Bend were in the perfect situation to help the IU South Bend¹s Dental Education program.
The program desperately needed a new panoramic X-ray machine. This device, which is used to take a full range of jaw and facial X-rays to determine existing and potential conditions, is important for dental education and for patients who can¹t afford the procedure in local dentists’ offices. Patients are often referred to IU South Bend for the tests.
The machine IU South Bend had was more than 20 years old. Some of the mechanical parts were broken and there were no viable options for repair. A new one would retail at more than $20,000.
Nanci Yokom, the program director, said the department was considering the options until the generous Pienkowskis stepped forward to help.
Doreen Pienkowski is a 1999 graduate of the program and a member of the alumni board. “Patients who could not afford the |
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procedure at the dentist¹s would be sent to IUSB and pay $20, rather than $80. Through the grapevine I heard the machine was broken,” she said. “I confirmed it and we started talking.”
James Pienkowski works for Planmeca, one of the world¹s largest dental equipment manufacturers. James¹ brother is an executive with the North American office in Illinois.
Planmeca has X-ray machines that were displayed at trade shows and could not be sold as new.
“We were in a perfect situation,” she said. The relatively new machine was installed in 2005.
“I went on scholarship to IUSB after working as a dental assistant for 10 years before I could go back to school. I have strong feelings about giving back to the university. It doesn¹t matter if it is a big donation or a small one. One person can donate or 10 can give and get results,” said Doreen.
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