27 August 2025

---

Gift to the Harvard Dental Center will extend a lifeline to patients in need

---

A recent donation in the amount of $500,000 from the Maya L. Auchincloss Trust will enable the Harvard Dental Center (HDC) to provide critical dental treatments to patients who are uninsured, or whose insurance will not cover the expenses. The gift was made possible by the attorney for the Trust, Keith Kyle, who has been a patient of the HDC since 2017.

“Maya gave me the responsibility of finding worthy causes that would benefit from her charitable wishes. While coming to the Harvard Dental Center for my own care, I saw many patients and families who had a tremendous amount of need. It’s a place where her donation could do a great deal of good,” said Kyle.

At least one in every ten patients, 10% of the HDC’s patient population, is in need of financial assistance. Additionally, several dental procedures are out of reach for those with limited insurance.

“Many of our patients face financial challenges and are unable to afford comprehensive care. As a result, they often only address urgent needs, leading to a decline in their oral health and the loss of their teeth. It is deeply heartbreaking to witness this,” said Sang Lee, MMSc10, PD12, assistant dean for clinical affairs and medical director of the HDC. “This generous gift will provide invaluable support to both our patients and the mission of our school.”

The charitable impact of the Maya L. Auchincloss Trust extends from Rhode Island to Massachusetts and beyond. Auchincloss was the daughter of Hugh D. "Yusha" Auchincloss III, the stepbrother of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She was a lifelong resident of Newport, RI, and a private and quiet individual who was passionate about music and history and had a love for animals. Even surrounded by wealth, she led a simple and intentional life. Auchincloss passed away in 2024 at the age of 65.

“I started representing Maya when her father died. From the moment I met her, she made it clear that she wanted to give every dollar away to charity. She was the sweetest, kindest, most generous person you’d ever meet,” Kyle said.

After having extensive reconstructive dental work done at the HDC, Kyle got to know the dentists and advanced graduate students well. He was grateful for their expertise and care and knew the gift could make a difference for patients unable to afford treatment. He also appreciated that the gift could benefit dental students in training. His hope is that his client’s legacy will live on and make a tangible impact.

“Maya passed away at a relatively young age from cancer. The gift from her estate to the Harvard Dental Center is an investment in preventative health care. It may well lead to the early discovery of oral cancer, or other treatable diseases, for a patient in need,” said Kyle.

HDC faculty and student providers will evaluate individual patient cases to determine eligibility for care covered by the funds. Patients with limited insurance and a demonstrated need for financial support for their oral health will be considered. The funds will help waive expenses for specific procedures, such as teeth replacement, the removal of partial dentures or a removable prosthesis, that can be unaffordable for patients without coverage.

“This contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many patients. We look forward to this gift directly benefiting many of our patients in need,” said Lee. 

Source: https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/