This Saturday, the St. Louis Dental Center ushered in a special event full of warmth and care. The clinic provided free dental examinations and treatment services to local veterans, which not only helped them alleviate oral health problems, but also brought long-lost smiles.
This public welfare event is aimed at veterans who are unable to enjoy the dental insurance of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). According to data provided by the St. Louis Dental Center, about 400,000 veterans in Missouri lack dental insurance, and many have delayed or even given up necessary treatment. In response to this reality, the dental center has launched this annual free clinic program since 2016.
During this event, about 160 veterans received comprehensive dental care, including teeth cleaning, tooth extraction, filling and other basic treatments. Some serious cases were also referred to follow-up specialists for further treatment.
In addition to benefiting veterans, this free clinic also provides valuable practical opportunities for students of the School of Dentistry. Under the guidance of senior dentists, these students directly participated in the treatment process, accumulated clinical experience, and deepened their understanding of community service.
The head of St. Louis Dental Center said: “Veterans have dedicated their most precious youth to the country, and we have the responsibility to provide them with the medical care they deserve. Let them feel the respect and care of the society, which is the original intention of our holding such activities.”
Since the launch of the project, more than 2,000 veterans have received free dental services through the free clinic program. Many veterans were deeply moved after receiving treatment. Many people said that this was the first time in many years that toothache no longer affected their daily lives, and they could even laugh confidently again.
The clinic said that they will continue to cooperate with the volunteer team and students to hold similar activities regularly every year to expand the scope of services and benefit more veterans in need.