After graduating from JHS, Donald R. Ruch enrolled at Syracuse University and in 1978 received a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1982 he completed the degree Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ruch then joined the National Health Service Corps, where he served until 1986 as part of a comprehensive health care team providing care to adults and children in needy communities. Following his service with the NHSC, Dr. Ruch enrolled in the Graduate Periodontic program at Temple University, completing his studies in 1988, after which he began his private dental practice in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

In 1999 Dr. Ruch answered a plea for help in his church bulletin and began traveling to Kensington in inner city North Philadelphia twice each month to volunteer his time and talents, providing desperately needed emergency dental care and basic restorative treatment to the impoverished and homeless who come to the House of Grace Catholic Workers Free Health Clinic. Dr. Ruch also helps to collect donations and supplies and, after his inspirational story appeared in the Pennsylvania Dental Journal, an X-ray machine was secured for the clinic.

In February 2002, Dr. Ruch and his staff were cited by Aetna Dental Plans for their efforts in rendering care to the underprivileged. Representatives of Aetna wrote that they were amazed that Dr. Ruch finds time to help those in need. “He uses his skills as a dentist to make the world a better place.”

“He is a compassionate man and it shows.”

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