Veteran’s Day may not be until November, but dentists across the country are busy giving back to veterans throughout the year, thanks to the many charitable programs and events that are dedicated to providing dental care the esteemed members of our armed forces.
Many people are not aware that veterans’ dental benefits are much more limited than their medical benefits, and this is why many vets have difficulty getting the care they need. The problem is in order to be eligible for the benefits they often need, they must be a former POW, have a serious service-related disability that has been rated at 100 percent or more, or their dental disability must be related directly to their military service.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on any given night there are nearly 50,000 veterans who are homeless in the US, many of whom are suffering from PTSD and substance abuse, and for these veterans receiving the dental care they need is even more problematic, but fortunately many US dentists are stepping up to the plate to get these heroes the help they need.
Volunteers across the country, including dentists who are also military veterans and dental students—are coming together to provide care for vets who are in chronic or acute pain as well as those who have challenges getting treatment due to a lack of services in the area or a lack of financial resources.
Veteran’s Smile Day, in which 80 dentists from states that include Florida, Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, and Arizona treated approximately 600 veterans, was just one of many ways dentists gave back to veterans in 2016. The Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic at Lighthouse Church and the St. Louis Dental Center in Missouri, the San Diego Dental Clinic for Homeless Veterans, the Military Dental Club in Southern Illinois, and University of Illinois at Chicago dental students have all done their part to provide services to veterans in this country over the last two years.
Organizers in many parts of the United States are busy at work recruiting volunteers for events for 2017. Dr. Karin Irani of Los Angeles had this to say on the matter, “Whatever dentists can give, we’ll take. Even if it’s just an exam or a cleaning, it’s a big help. Everyone can give one day a year. Every dentist can give one day. That’s not asking for a lot.”
If you would like to have your teeth checked by a dentist who gives back to the community, make your appointment with Las Vegas Dentist Dr. Hadley today, and don’t forget to bring your donation of school supplies to benefit students in need at George E. Harris Elementary to drop-off in their dropbox in the office lobby when you visit the office!