News

Nearly 90 veterans received free dental care during the annual Veteran’s Care Day event hosted by the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM). On Thursday, Nov. 12, the SIU SDM provided more than $50,000 worth of free dental treatment to veterans in need.

“Veteran’s Care Day was a huge success,” said SIU SDM Director of Community Dentistry Katie Kosten, DMD. “We were able to serve and show our gratitude to 20 more veterans than last year, providing care for a total of 88 individuals. We know that a lot of veterans don’t have access to extensive dental care, and some don’t have access to any dental care. Many of those we served were able to receive dental treatment that they had delayed for years, because they had difficulty finding a provider prior to this event.”

Services provided included, but were not limited to cleanings, x-rays, fillings and extractions. Of the 88 patients served, Kosten noted that 40 decided to establish care at the SIU SDM.

“We are glad to be able to continue serving these patients,” Kosten said. “They will now have access to a dentist for everything from routine cleanings to emergency pain, as well as more complex treatments like dentures and implants.”

With extensive safety protocols in place, Veteran’s Care Day ran smoothly for all involved.

“It was a great team effort,” Kosten emphasized. “The veterans and their loved ones were grateful for the opportunity, and our SIU SDM family enjoyed serving them in this way.”

This marked the SIU SDM's third annual Veteran’s Care Day, which combined have provided more than $110,000 worth of free dental care.

Photos: Veteran Dean Truetzschler, of Moro, checks in with SIU SDM staff on Veteran’s Care Day.

Veteran Donald McMaster, of Wood River, was all smiles outside following his receipt of free dental care at the SIU SDM’s Veteran’s Care Day.