Across the country, veterans who once served our nation are facing a crisis: a lack of access to essential dental care. While many believe these needs are fully covered, the reality for many aging veterans is that comprehensive dental care is financially out of reach. Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program helps veterans like Aaron who have served our country and had nowhere else to turn for the dental care they needed.
Aaron’s Story
Aaron, 82, is an Army veteran whose health has presented significant challenges in recent years. A survivor of multiple heart bypass surgeries, Aaron also manages COPD, diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The MS has made mobility difficult, requiring him to use a walker to navigate his home in rural Minnesota.
In addition to these challenges, Aaron’s dental health began to decline. When he came to the DDS program, he was suffering from infected and painful teeth. With many teeth already missing, he struggled to eat. Living solely on a fixed Social Security income with limited dental coverage, the comprehensive care he needed was financially out of reach. Despite working as an engineer for 40 years, this veteran was unable to afford basic oral healthcare.
Thankfully, three DDS volunteers learned about Aaron’s situation and quickly stepped in to help! Dr. Trevor Holleman, a volunteer oral surgeon, performed four necessary extractions, while Dr. Barbra Lee performed essential restorations and worked with Premier Dental Studio to provide a new lower partial denture and two crown and bridge units. Thanks to these generous volunteers, Aaron received thousands of dollars in donated treatment that restored his oral health!
A Pain-Free New Chapter
Today, Aaron’s life looks much different. The constant pain he felt for years is gone, replaced with a functional and healthy smile. He can once again enjoy meals with his wife without the difficulty or discomfort that affected him for so long.
“Thank you to the DDS program for everything that you have done for me,” shared Aaron. “Now, I’m able to chew my food – I am very grateful!”
How You Can Help
You can help us change the lives of more veterans like Aaron by getting involved today:
- Volunteer: If you are a dentist, dental specialist, or dental lab, you can change a life without ever leaving your office. By seeing just one patient a year, you can provide a veteran with the care they desperately need but cannot afford. Sign up at WhyIDental.org.
- Donate: Your financial support helps us coordinate care, manage lab fees, and reach more vulnerable individuals in our communities. Every gift directly supports our mission to make these lifechanging transformations possible. Give here: https://bit.ly/3RohtW9
- Spread the Word: Share Aaron’s story to help us find more volunteers and supporters who are passionate about dental philanthropy.
