Third and fourth-year dental students and TCDM faculty were joined by local elected officials such as NY Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, veterans, and their families at the clinic. Over 20 veteran appointments were scheduled at the event, and special guests included Dr. Carl Tegtmeier, who served in the US Army Dental Corps, is the past chair of the New York State Dental Association's Council on Dental Health Planning and Hospital Dentistry, and a former Trustee of the New York State Dental Foundation.

“This year, dental students and faculty were able to provide free care to over 60 veterans and their families, and for that we are very honored,” said Ronnie Myers, Dean at TCDM. “I am so proud that our institution continues to go above and beyond with one of our most important goals; to provide accessible and quality care to groups and communities who need it most, and with our annual Smiles for Veterans event, we are successfully achieving that goal and can witness the impact it has on our communities.”

Many veterans and their family members put off routine dental visits and necessary treatment because of the financial burden. TCDM’s Smiles for Veterans program provides them with the opportunity to get back on track with comprehensive oral health care in appreciation for their sacrifices and commitment to our country and community. Additionally, the event has been an anticipated milestone in each dental student’s clinical experience, and an opportunity for TCDM to instill the importance of community service in these future dentists who will someday have the opportunity to give back to their own communities.  

“I am proud to stand alongside Touro College of Dental Medicine in championing the well-being of our veterans and narrowing gaps in healthcare access,” said NY Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “TCDM’s Smiles for Veterans initiative reflects the compassion and dedication needed to address healthcare disparities while supporting those who have sacrificed so much for our country. I applaud their unwavering commitment to our veteran community and congratulate TCDM on making a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans.”

TCDM looks forward to continuing to host Smiles for Veterans and working again with its community partners to ensure veterans and their families have access to the vital dental care that they deserve. In addition to the free dental services offered through TCDM’s Smiles for Veterans program each year, Touro Dental Health offers special courtesy rates for veterans, military personnel and their spouses on an ongoing basis.