Oklahoma Organizations Partner to Provide Dental Care for Oklahoma Veterans

Collaborating to serve Oklahoma veterans, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Oklahoma Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Foundation and Henry Schein Dental hosted the second annual Veteran’s Day dental clinic on Saturday, November 6. This coordinated one-day event improves access to care and provides professional dental services at no cost to participants.

With limited dental benefits provided to veterans, access to oral health care can be difficult, and often, veterans delay urgent needs. Regular dental appointments are essential in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing, or treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health.

“I am gratified by the response to this clinic and very pleased that we can sustain this opportunity on an annual basis. This free clinic for Oklahoma veterans helps the college fulfill its mission to improve the oral health of Oklahomans, especially in underserved populations,” said Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry and immediate past president of the ODA. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our students, faculty, and staff, and the college’s partnerships with the Oklahoma Dental Association and Henry Schein, we continue to honor our commitment to provide the high-quality care our veterans need and deserve.”

In total, 56 Oklahoma veterans received free dental care; 270 dental procedures were completed which included cleanings, fillings and extractions. More than $19,000 in dental care was donated.

To help facilitate care during the event, Henry Schein donated an array of products including restoratives, personal protective equipment and consumables.

“We at Henry Schein believe that public-private partnerships are key in expanding access to care,” said Lacey Link, Field Sales Consultant, Henry Schein, and an alumna of Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. “Our collaboration with OU College of Dentistry and the ODA is a great example of how we can come together to provide care to and show our appreciation for veterans.”

Participants had previously completed pre-screening appointments to determine their needs for dental care.

Chris Fagan, DDS, ODA President, said, “The Oklahoma Dental Association is proud of its partnership with the OU College of Dentistry. Offering free dental care is one way we can express our appreciation for the sacrifices these veterans have made in order to serve our country, and we look forward to opportunities that lie ahead.”

In addition, the college, ODA, ODF and Henry Schein Dental would like to recognize and thank the Dale K. Graham Veteran’s Foundation and Dentists for the Disabled & Elderly in Need of Treatment (D-DENT) for their support and look forward to serving these heroes and watching this program grow in the years to come.