Oklahoma Organizations Partner to Provide Dental Care for Oklahoma Veterans

OKLAHOMA CITY – Collaborating to serve Oklahoma veterans, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Oklahoma Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Foundation and Henry Schein Dental hosted the third annual Veteran’s Day dental clinic on Saturday, November 12. This coordinated one-day event improves access to care and provides professional dental services at no cost to participants. 

With limited dental benefits provided to veterans, access to oral health care can be difficult, and often, veterans delay urgent needs. Regular dental appointments are essential in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing, or treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health. 

“Oral health is an essential component of one’s overall systemic health,” said Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry, past president of the Oklahoma Dental Association, and former major in the U.S. Army Reserve. “Part of our mission at the College of Dentistry is to improve the oral health of Oklahomans, especially those in underserved populations. It is a great honor to serve those that have so dutifully served our country. I am grateful to the Oklahoma Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Foundation, and Henry Schein Dental for their ongoing partnership and support of this event.”

In total, 57 Oklahoma veterans received free dental care; 233 dental procedures were completed which included cleanings, fillings and extractions. More than $66,000 in dental care was donated. Participants had previously completed pre-screening appointments to determine their needs for dental care. 

To help facilitate care during the event, Henry Schein donated an array of products including restoratives, personal protective equipment and consumables. 

Robert Herman, D.D.S., ODA President, said, “The Oklahoma Dental Association’s partnership with the OU College of Dentistry is stronger than ever, and having the opportunity to support this program at the school is an honor. Helping those in need and changing someone’s life through oral health care is what our profession is all about. These veterans have made countless sacrifices, and we are honored to be a part of this special day to show our appreciation.”

In addition, the college, ODA, ODF and Henry Schein Dental would like to recognize and thank the Dale K. Graham Veteran’s Foundation and Dentists for the Disabled & Elderly in Need of Treatment (D-DENT) for their continued support and look forward to serving these heroes and watching this program grow in the years to come.  

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OU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

The OU College of Dentistry is home to the state’s only doctor of dental surgery program and baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene. More than 70% of the state of Oklahoma’s dentists are graduates of the OU College of Dentistry. The college provides general dental care and specialty care to Oklahomans through student, resident and faculty practice clinics. The OU College of Dentistry has established a reputation of training its students to provide the highest quality of clinical care available.