In the heartland of the country, Kansas City dentists are making a tremendous impact on the lives of veterans with unrelenting commitment and empathetic care. While they have proudly served their country, numerous veterans are confronted with intimidating obstacles in receiving desperately needed dental care, leaving a critical health disparity which local dental professionals are fighting hard to close.
The veterans dental care crisis
The numbers tell a sobering tale of veteran oral health in America. A staggering 85% of veterans do not have dental coverage under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) while over 9 million are eligible for medical care. The gap in oral health has resulted in glaring oral disparities, with veterans 60% more likely to experience tooth decay and 42% more likely to have gum disease than non-veterans.
The answer extends far beyond the health of their mouths. Ill veterans who do not maintain good teeth have significant effects on their general health, work performance, and quality of life. Almost 3 million veterans suffer from social and emotional issues because of dental problems, which make them incapable of interacting and experiencing quality of life. For those veterans who have chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease—diseases that affect veterans more often than the non-veteran community—dental problems are additional existing health problems.
Kansas City’s dental community mobilizes
As this essential need came into existence, dentists in Kansas City have rallied together by means of numerous campaigns to offer vital treatment to veterans. The Dental Care Center of South Kansas City has taken a leading role, hosting a yearly Free Dental Day for Veterans that has treated 30-50 military veterans on one day. Following the hiatus during the pandemic, they leapt at the opportunity to restart this life-changing service, performing same-day treatments such as fillings, extractions, and cleanings.
Other local traditions have also taken the cue. Sala Family Dentistry has developed the “Smiles For FREEdom” event, which is a local program and is now a nationwide campaign. The program provides comprehensive dental care to veterans and first responders absolutely for free of cost regardless of what the cost may be. This program has accumulated over $2 million worth of dental care for veterans over nearly a decade.
Collaborative efforts and resources
Not only is the response by the dental profession limited to single practices but also larger collaborative ventures. Kansas DDS, an initiative of Dental Lifeline Network and the Kansas Dental Association, brings together veterans and other deserving individuals with volunteer dentists who deliver free, full-care service in their own private offices. In one year (2017-2018), 352 dentists and 55 labs donated a total of almost $900,000 worth of services to deserving patients.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry is also a prime player, providing dental care to uninsured veterans. They have a clinic that offers a variety of treatments and is a primary source of affordable dental care to veterans.
The impact of volunteer dentistry
The effect of such volunteer service goes beyond improved physical health. For some veterans, access to dental care is a concrete recognition of their service and sacrifice. Volunteer dentists indicate that the free dentistry they offer has a profound therapeutic effect, not only doing something for physical pain but also helping to contribute to enhanced mental health and self-esteem.
As one of the veterans said after treatment, “I can smile now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart”—something which has been felt by many who have been helped through these programs. Another said, “I have been in pain for years. Thank you for your time and help. I have a fresh start.”
As word gets around about the vets’ dental care, Kansas City area dentists are contributing to the push to close this wide gap in care. Groups such as Everyone for Veterans are working hard to recruit dentists to give pro bono procedures, with a 600% increase in requests for dental procedures since broadening their eligibility requirements.
Together, these initiatives are showing that serving veterans means taking care of their overall health needs, including the oft-neglected but critical one of dental health.
