Serve those who Served


Veterans served our country with honor and their sacrifices have made a lasting impact on the freedoms we all enjoy. Now, it’s our turn to serve those who served so they can receive the support they deserve.
Each year, we encourage as many people as possible to sign our pledge to provide free dental services for veterans during Veterans Day Week. We also honor our veterans with various communication campaigns throughout the year and by recognizing those professionals in the dental industry who served.
Key Oral Health Statistics in the Veteran Community
Veterans suffering from chronic illnesses are more likely to experience oral health issues. For instance, about 25% of veterans with diabetes have significant periodontal disease, compared to about 16% in the general population.
Additionally, veterans with PTSD and other mental health disorders often have higher rates of oral health issues. Approximately 30% of veterans with PTSD report experiencing severe dental problems, compared to lower rates among veterans without these mental health challenges.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), only about 8-10% of veterans are eligible for comprehensive dental care through the VA. This leaves millions of veterans without access to dental services unless they have private insurance or can afford out-of-pocket expenses.
Only certain veterans qualify for comprehensive dental care through the VA as well. To be eligible, veterans must meet specific criteria, such as having a service-connected dental condition, being a former prisoner of war, or having a 100% service-connected disability.
47% of veterans report that cost is the primary barrier preventing them from accessing dental care, as noted in a survey conducted by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
A survey by the American Dental Association found that 38% of veterans reported unmet dental needs. This includes untreated dental decay, gum disease, and a lack of access to preventative care.
Veterans suffering from chronic illnesses are more likely to experience oral health issues. For instance, about 25% of veterans with diabetes have significant periodontal disease, compared to about 16% in the general population.
Veterans with PTSD and other mental health disorders often have higher rates of oral health issues. Approximately 30% of veterans with PTSD report experiencing severe dental problems, compared to lower rates among veterans without these mental health challenges.
A study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that veterans with missing teeth or visible oral health problems have a 20% lower chance of being employed, particularly in jobs requiring public interaction.
Veterans, particularly those transitioning into civilian life, may struggle with self-esteem or employment opportunities due to poor oral health. Missing teeth, visible decay, or other issues can hinder their chances during job interviews and social interactions.
Veteran Resources & Support Links
As a veteran, you have access to a wide range of resources designed to support your health, well-being, and transition to civilian life. From healthcare services to educational benefits and employment assistance, there are programs tailored specifically for you. Below, you’ll find a curated list of valuable links and resources that can help you navigate these services and find the support you need:
Resources:
- https://www.va.gov/resources/
- https://www.doi.gov/veterans/vetresources
- https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
- https://does.dc.gov/page/additional-veterans-resources
- https://nvf.org/veteran-resources/
- https://veterans.house.gov/
- https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/
- https://saluteheroes.org/get-help/resources/
- https://www.usa.gov/features/programs-and-services-for-veterans
- https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mental-health-recovery/resources.asp
- https://www.va.gov/dental/
- https://telehealth.va.gov/
- www.woundedwarriorproject.org
- www.afsp.org
- www.dvnf.org
- www.nvf.org
- www.doi.gov
- www.veteranscrisisline.net
- www.mission22.com
- www.vfw.org
- www.veteransoutreach.org
- www.soldiersangels.org
- www.militaryonesource.mil
Organizations Promoting and Providing Dental Care to Veterans:
- Give Veterans a Smile (ADA Foundation)
- Dental Lifeline Network
- Everyone for Veterans
- Veterans Smile Day
- Freedom Day
- ASDA and different school clinics (like Ohio, Oklahoma, UT Houston, Harvard, etc)
- AAID SmileVet program
- Smiles for Veterans
- VA – Find a dental clinic (service for Veterans)

















Recognizing the Dental Industry’s Veterans
A-Dec, Angela B. | A-Dec, Cody N. |
A-Dec, Danny P. | A-Dec, Darren H. |
A-Dec, David W. | A-Dec, Dustin H. |
A-Dec, Evan C. | A-Dec, Jason D. |
A-Dec, JK P. | A-Dec, Joel S. |
A-Dec, Jonathan C. | A-Dec, Josh B. |
A-Dec, Makis W. | A-Dec, Percy W. |
A-Dec, Pete H. | A-Dec, Tom M. |
A-Dec, Ty S. | Centrix, John E. |
Conexiant, Brian M. | Conexiant, Bryce R. |
Conexiant, Joshua N. | Dental Trade Alliance, Thomas P. F. |
Dental Trade Alliance, William A. F. | DMG America, Mark E. |
DMG America, Nathan B. | DrBicuspid.com, David H. |
DrBicuspid.com, David Z. | DrBicuspid.com, Gale Patrick H. |
DrBicuspid.com, Kelly H.-Z. | DrBicuspid.com, Kevin H. |
DTA Foundation, Gage Tyler B. | DTA Foundation, Hope W. |
DTA Foundation, Isaac W. | Hu-Friedy Group, Jeffrey H. |
Komet, Adrienne S. | Komet, Dave T. |
Komet, Eric H. | Komet, Levi H. |
Midmark Corporation, Allen F. | Midmark Corporation, Bradford B. |
Midmark Corporation, Brian B. | Midmark Corporation, Brian G. |
Midmark Corporation, Brittney D. | Midmark Corporation, Bruce B. |
Midmark Corporation, Chad B. | Midmark Corporation, Chris D. |
Midmark Corporation, Chuck B. | Midmark Corporation, Danielle D. |
Midmark Corporation, David F. | Midmark Corporation, Dennis H. |
Midmark Corporation, Diane H. | Midmark Corporation, Donald B. |
Midmark Corporation, Dustin F. | Midmark Corporation, Ed D. |
Midmark Corporation, George C. | Midmark Corporation, Jason H. |
Midmark Corporation, Jim H. | Midmark Corporation, Jonathan A. |
Midmark Corporation, Keith H. | Midmark Corporation, Kevin G. |
Midmark Corporation, Mark B. | Midmark Corporation, Mark G. |
Midmark Corporation, Michael D. | Midmark Corporation, Mitch E. |
Midmark Corporation, Rodney H. | Midmark Corporation, Roger G. |
Midmark Corporation, Tim G. | Midmark Corporation, William B. |
Paige Mead Recruiting, Megan M. | Patterson Dental, Chad B. |
PDT, Cody W. | PDT, Denise E. |
PDT, Greg S. | PDT, Justin B. |
PDT, Rocky S. | Planmeca, Alex G. |
Planmeca, Chris V. | Planmeca, John B. |
Planmeca, Justin M. | Planmeca, Rich R. |
Planmeca, Rudy W. | Planmeca, Tony M. |
Planmeca, Tonya F. | Special AV, Bob S. |
Zyris, Rodrigo S. | Zyris, Stephen L. |
Pack and Give Back Event at the 2024 Annual Meeting






Thank You to Our 2024 Veterans Event Sponsors







