Dentistry Veterans Day

How the Dental Industry is Supporting Veterans

Veterans Day is just around the corner, as our nation prepares to honor the brave men and women who have served the United States of America.

Many industries try to find ways to give back to the military community, and the dental field is no exception.

In honor of the upcoming holiday, dental offices and companies from all around the country are offering a variety of benefits and services to veterans.

As we all prepare to thank those who have served, keep in mind these programs and others like them, and share them with anyone who might be interested and eligible.

Dental Education Opportunities for Veterans

One example of dental resources that are available for veterans stems from the Dayton Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

The Dental Residency Program provides training, tools and knowledge to those interested in dentistry. The program has a few different focuses, including prosthetic dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, and operatives, including endodontics.

The Dayton VA Medical Center is also providing comprehensive dental treatment to eligible veterans.

This takes place in the building’s Patient Tower, fully equipped with two examination chairs, twelve general treatment chairs, three hygiene chairs, two oral surgical suites, and even a large dental laboratory.

And, because the Department of Veteran Affairs is covering liability coverage to all of its employees, veterans won’t need to worry about that aspect of the program.

Dentistry Veterans Day

Free Dentistry Services for Veterans

While the Dental Residency Program in Dayton is certainly a noteworthy service being offered to veterans, it’s far from the only one, thanks to oral professionals across the country.

For example, Aspen Dental has offered free care to veterans and eligible members of their families on their “Day of Service.”

This event is designed to help honor the service of former military members, and to also break down potential barriers that may exist within their own health care.

Aspen Dental has conducted their day of service for seven years. Since the Day of Service originally started, they have donated more than $22 million in dentistry services to over 27,500 veterans and people in need, through the Healthy Mouth Movement.

Another up-and-coming program to help provide great dental care to veterans is VETsmile.

Although still a relatively new program, VETsmile currently lives in nine different Zufall clinics from New Jersey. Those behind VETsmile are hoping to increase the number of veterans available for dental care, as well as increasing awareness of the existing dental benefits available to them. 

So far, the project seems ambitious, but highly supported.

Members of the Center for Care and Patient Innovation (CCPI), the American Dental Association, Delta Dental, and even members of Congress have all shown interest and care towards the project.

The CCPI has even begun collaborating with the program. Roshini Ghosh, the executive director of CCPI, has spoken out about the project and believes that the work completed so far is incredibly noteworthy.

“The model we’ve been able to create in New York and New Jersey, working with universities and federally qualified health centers, has been remarkable,” said Ghosh.

Hopefully, the movement continues to gain traction and serve thousands of veterans for years to come.

The Takeaways

If there is one thing to take away from all of this, it’s that the military community is one that should be supported and honored throughout the rest of their lives.

Along those lines, it’s wonderful to see how the dental industry continues to find ways to recognize and assist veterans in need.

Whether it’s offering educational assistance, dental resources, or simple cleanings and checkups, finding ways to give back to those that have served remains an important way to show your thanks.

 

About First Choice Dental Lab

First Choice Dental Lab is a full-service dental lab with locations in Downers Grove, Il. & Wauwatosa, Wi.

We manufacture & customize quality dental restorations for general dentists. We create smiles based on your needs and budget.

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