Free Veteran’s Clinic

Dental Community Comes Together to Host Free Veteran’s Clinic

Last year, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and Oklahoma Dental Association joined forces with Henry Schein, Oklahoma Dental Foundation, Dale K. Graham Veteran’s Foundation, Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment, Eastern Oklahoma Donated Dental Services, and other organizations from across the state on to provide essential dental care to Oklahoma veterans. The first clinic, which was postponed from November 2021 due to COVID, was held on March 27, 2021. The second clinic was held on Nov. 6, 2021 in observance of Veteran’s Day.

With limited dental benefits provided to veterans, getting the necessary 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.

“As the dean, it is my goal to support the mission of our college and provide the people of Oklahoma high-quality dental care at an affordable cost,” said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., dean of the college. “Further, as a former Army Reserve member, I understand the challenges that veterans face when trying to obtain accessible and affordable dental care. Therefore, I made it my mission during my ODA presidency to plan a free dental care day for Oklahoma veterans. My hope is to continue this clinic into the future and treat even more veterans who desperately need dental treatment.” procedures, ranging from routine cleanings and fillings to more complex procedures like crowns and extractions. At the March 2021 event, 60 Oklahoma veterans received free dental care; at the November 2021 event, 56 Oklahoma veterans received free dental care.

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

In light of having two clinics in one year, the dental and dental hygiene students were able to provide care for some returning veterans. One veteran in particular had her upper teeth extracted at the clinic in March and the students were able to complete the job in November to get her ready to be fitted for dentures.

“Veteran’s Day Clinic is a fantastic event at the OU College of Dentistry because it provides an opportunity for people who are a part of underserved communities to receive care. Being a part of the previous event and this year’s event gave me the opportunity to see patients who returned to receive more care,” said Ali Agee, DS4, Student Council president. “One patient in particular was able to receive the remaining care she needed before being able to receive dentures. This event is a great way for dental students, faculty, staff and outside dentists/volunteers to make a significant difference in the oral health of the veterans who have served our country.”

Chris Fagan, D.D.S., 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.”