Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) Cares for Veterans was founded in 2019 by two Iraq War combat veterans and dental students at TUSDM. They had a vision to give back to their veteran comrades and to honor their friends whom they served with who made the ultimate sacrifice for the love of their country.
TUSDM Cares for Veterans connects veterans, especially unhoused vets or those living in veterans’ homes in the Greater Boston area, with comprehensive oral care provided by student dental clinicians at TUSDM. By providing access to services in a safe and respectful environment, we build trust between veterans and TUSDM students and offer the veterans a dental home where they can receive care for untreated diseases.
The program is dedicated to improving the oral health of veterans through screenings, education, and direct, ongoing care. This unique partnership provides not just a smile—it is an increase in self-esteem, it can facilitate their re-entry into the workforce, and it has provided a way for our veterans to attain optimum oral health, which contributes positively to overall health.
The need for such programs is underscored by statistics highlighting the oral health challenges faced by veterans. Many veterans experience dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease at higher rates than the general population. Unfortunately, a significant portion of veterans do not have access to dental care through the Veterans Health Administration, and cost and limited availability are barriers to receiving care.
TUSDM Cares for Veterans fills this gap by offering much-needed oral health services to veterans who might otherwise go without proper dental care. Under the mentorship of TUSDM faculty, dental students provide preventive services, exams, root canals, restorations, radiography, implants, dentures (full/partial), and oral health education to vulnerable veterans.
One of our veteran patients, Mr. Stephens, recently received dentures and for the first time in many years can smile with a bright set of new teeth. Mr. Stephens stated, “At times the process seemed arduous” as he traveled two to three hours each way for his dental visits at TUSDM. When asked what his first meal would be with his new teeth, Mr. Stephens surprisingly responded, “I can’t wait to eat a salad. I can’t remember the last time I had a cucumber or radish or even lettuce. It isn’t easy chewing lettuce without teeth.”
The fact that Mr. Stephens expressed his eagerness to enjoy a salad, something many of us take for granted, underscores how vital oral health is for our overall quality of life. The partnership with Soldier On, an organization that provides support services and transportation for veterans, played a crucial role in making Mr. Stephens’ journey to dental care possible. The ongoing support from Disabled Veterans National Foundation ensures that more veterans can receive the care and support they need to lead healthier, happier lives. These collaborations not only ensure that veterans can access essential dental services but also reflect the power of community partnerships in addressing the unique needs of veterans.