by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Dr. Al and Heidi Schneider are true believers in the “Pay it Forward” concept.
That is why they are introducing it to their clinic, Schneider Orthodontics in Sartell.
They have introduced a payment option for their current and future clients. Any clients who volunteer time at Country Manor or at Anna Marie’s shelter can have payment amounts deducted from their bills. In some cases, it’s conceivable the entire bill could be paid for through such volunteer time. People could volunteer at either place or at both places.
“It’s just one way we can give back to this community,” Dr. Al Schneider said. “We love living here, and this is our way to do something good in return.”
Here’s how the plan works. Any client interested should talk to the staff at Schneider Orthodontics, and they will set up a plan. Clients can then meet with a contact person at Anna Marie’s and/or Country Manor to find out what kind of volunteer work is needed. Clients can choose what work they would like to do. The contact persons will keep track of the time clients spend at volunteer tasks, and then the documented number of hours will be submitted to Schneider Orthodontics, and an hourly amount for the total hours will be deducted from clients’ bills.
The Schneiders plan to keep their “Pay it Forward” program indefinitely. Schneider said he had heard of a similar program at another clinic in another state and decided to adapt it to his own clinic.
Orthodontics is a form of dentistry that deals with tooth irregularities, disproportionate jaw relationships or both. Treatments can involve the use of braces and retainers.
The Schneiders opened their clinic in Sartell in September 2011. Before that, the clinic had been situated in St. Cloud. There are 11 employees at Schneider Orthodontics, including Dr. Al Schneider and his wife, who is an office employee.
Schneider Orthodontics’ mission statement, Schneider said, is “to try to treat everyone who comes to our office as if they are a member of our family.”
The clinic is located at 325 10th St. S. in the medical campus area of Sartell.