Dr. Lata in Sandusky Register; OSU Award

If you missed the Sandusky Register, we wanted to share the exciting news!

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201910160019

A local dentist known for her charitable work was recently honored by her Alma mater.

Dr. Lata Stefano, of Stefano Dental, was presented with the Ohio State University College of Dentistry’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award.

“This award was truly a surprise I’m so deeply humbled and grateful to be joined by family and colleagues in accepting the honor,” Stefano said.

Among the more than 20 nominees from across the country, Stefano stood out as an inspiration to others due to her tremendous community work.

“It’s so rewarding to know that something as simple as giving can be so inspiring to others,” Stefano said.

The college of dentistry’s board of directors has handed out the award for 50 years.

“I went into dentistry to help make healthy smiles, improve oral health, but later in my career I realized I could make smiles from the heart too, and that has been priceless,” Stefano said.

Stefano, who has been practicing dentistry for 20 years, has initiated a number of charitable events through her practice.

“I started the charitable works with Stefano Dental, with the simple philosophy of ‘give when you can, how you can, where you can.’ I believe we are all connected and I feel accountable and grateful to do my part in helping others in need,” Stefano said.

Some of her more recent initiatives include donating $7,000 to Care and Share, collecting school supplies to donate to children and the Toothbrush Trot 5K at Osborn Park in August.

The Toothbrush Trot raised $7,000 to build a handicap-accessible playground for children in Toledo. Her grassroots philanthropy has helped inspire other businesses to give back.

“I never saw myself as a role model,” Stefano said. “But then I saw the response and feedback from local businesses, schools, neighbors, asking how they can help with our charitable events — I realized that I could be starting a ‘chain of giving’ and although many think I’m inspiring them, it’s the community, patients and strangers that have joined our charitable missions that inspire me.”