NYSDF announces new veteran dental program

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- According to a CareQuest report, veterans experience higher rates of tooth decay, gum disease, and an increased need for restorative dental care compared to non-veterans. In response to this, the New York State Dental Foundation (NYSDF), alongside the New York State Dental Association, announced the Salute Vets with a Smile program.

This new program will connect veterans with volunteer dentists who will provide free dental services. NYSDF says that the dentists will create treatment plans for their veteran patients to allow problems to be addressed properly.

“No one is more deserving of quality dental care than those who have served our state and nation in the armed forces,” said Loren Baim, DDS, a practicing dentist in Glens Falls and trustee of the New York State Dental Foundation. “Our program is designed to provide complete and comprehensive care to veterans. The New York State Dental Foundation is committed to making a difference.”

Salute Vets with a Smile will address the root of the veteran's dental problems, connect veterans with a dental home, and provide proper oral hygiene resources for the future. So far, there have been 10 veterans connected to care in 2024.

More than two dozen dentists have volunteered across the state for this program. Veterans within the age range 29 to 93 are eligible to request dental care through the NYSDF website.