She brings dental care to all

December 20, 2019

Shortly after completing her dental degree, Janine Burkhardt encountered significant obstacles in her profession while working with Project HOME, a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless and economically disadvantaged populations. She assumed responsibility for addressing complex challenges within dental care delivery — navigating insurance complexities, managing Medicaid systems, and solving practical problems like theft of dentures in shelter settings.

Her leadership transformed the Stephen Klein Wellness Center adjacent to Temple's primary campus, expanding from a single treatment station to eight operational chairs. In 2018, she established an additional dental facility at the Hub of Hope beneath Suburban Station in Center City — marking the first year-round dental services available to the homeless community utilizing that facility.

Her accomplishments earned Burkhardt recognition as a Temple University 30 Under 30 Award recipient. Her work is a testament to Kornberg's commitment to community health, providing expert dental care to those who need it most regardless of their ability to pay.