WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 — Dental professionals from across the country gathered at SmileCon 2025 on Oct. 23 to assemble 500 health-and-comfort kits for underserved veterans in the Washington, D.C., area.
At the ADA Foundation’s Social Impact Hub in Dental Central, volunteers packed kits with toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth rinse, floss and oral-health education materials.
The Give Veterans A Smile Pack and Give Back event was hosted by the ADA Foundation in partnership with the Disabled Veterans National Foundation and sponsored by Henry Schein Cares, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation and the Alliance of the ADA.
ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., said the kits offer practical help and signal appreciation for veterans’ service. “By packing these health and comfort kits we are providing essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth rinse and floss, and more importantly, we’re delivering a message of care and appreciation,” Dr. Kessler said.
The kits will be distributed at a resource fair on Nov. 10.
Launched in 2024, the Give Veterans A Smile program encourages dentists to provide pro bono care to underserved veterans and to help them find a regular dental provider.
Maria Maranga, D.D.S., chair of the program, noted that many veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health-care system remain ineligible for VA dental benefits. The program aims to fill that gap until comprehensive dental coverage is available to all veterans.
“We’re here to make a small impact. City by city, town by town, and state by state. We won’t rest until we get them covered,” Dr. Maranga said.
Dr. Kessler closed the event by urging attendees to view the initiative as more than charity, calling it a testament to community commitment to veterans’ well-being before a formal ribbon cutting.
“I hope that it’s seen as a testament to our commitment to supporting our veterans’ well-being. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of a larger community that values and honors the sacrifices made by our service members,” he said.