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See how many NM veterans received free dental care for Veteran's Day
Dr. Kelley Ryals, center, and PDS Foundation Executive Director Michael Le, left, with the team at Santa Fe Modern Dentistry during the Give Vets a Smile event, which provided more than $73,000 in donated care to veterans.
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Twenty-one veterans in Albuquerque and Santa Fe were thanked for their service to the country over the weekend with free dental care, courtesy of local dentistry offices in the two cities.
Over $73,000 worth of dental care was donated to the veterans through the Pacific Dental Services Foundation. The event was part of the nationwide campaign “Give Vets a Smile,” which is hosted by the American Dental Association.
Launched in October, the goal of the campaign is to expand access to oral health care for veterans who are facing significant barriers when it comes to receiving such care. Of the 9 million veterans eligible for medical care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 85% are not eligible for dental coverage due to not meeting the department’s eligibility requirements, according to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Those requirements include having dental issues related to or caused by their military service, having been a former prisoner of war, or having total disability.
Due to these barriers, CareQuest estimates veterans are 60% more likely to experience tooth decay compared with nonveterans and 42% of veterans report suffering from gum disease.
In recognition of Veteran’s Day, Santa Fe Modern Dentistry, Bosque Smiles Dentistry and Eagle Point Dentists opened their doors on Saturday to volunteer their time and services to the patients. The practices were joined by dental assisting students from Pima Medical Institute and dental students from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
The received a comprehensive exam, which included getting X-rays and a full cleaning and having fillings, crowns and bridges made. Those who needed teeth extracted also received treatment.
This local effort was spearheaded by Dr. Kelley Ryals, who is an active-duty member of the New Mexico Army National Guard and a dentist at Santa Fe Modern Dentistry.
“Far too many veterans are forced to go without a dental visit for months or even years, which is a serious problem,” Ryals said in a news release following the event. “I’m grateful to play a role in helping local veterans receive the care they need.”
Conatct Gino Gutierrez at goodnews@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3940.
