This week, a dental clinic in Pennsylvania Township joined similar initiatives in several states by offering free dental care to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Pearl Dentistry is participating in Freedom Day USA for the first time—an annual event founded in 2013 by Dr. Robert “Bob” Martino, a West Virginia dentist who operates seven clinics in West Virginia.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Pearl Dentistry, located at 1075 Exit 3 Road in Harrison, Pennsylvania Township, will offer free cleanings, exams, and other treatments to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their immediate family members.
“Freedom Day is more than just dental care; it’s about gratitude,” said Dr. Julie Yu of Pearl Dentistry. “We’re honored to open our doors and give back to those who serve.”
Clinic Manager Chrissy Forish noted that all of the clinic’s office hours that day will be dedicated to military patients. “We’re fully committed to them,” she said, adding that four appointments had been booked as of Monday.
Pearl Dentistry operates four other clinics, including one in New Kensington. Forish said the Pennsylvania Township branch is testing the program this year: “We’ll see how it goes and decide where to expand it next.”
According to the USA Freedom Day website, the program has provided over $15 million worth of free services to over 50,000 military families since its launch. In some areas, participating dentists also partner with local businesses to provide additional support for veterans.
National Director Wendy Boyce said approximately 250 clinics will participate this year, and the program is expected to help up to 10,000 veterans nationwide.
After a year-long hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has seen steady growth. “We’re back on track,” Boyce said. “Every year, we’re getting bigger and better—and we’ll be back next October.”