Photo By Dana Heard | Captain Erik Hager, left, dental resident, 55th Medical Group, Offutt Air Force Base,...... read more read more
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The 55th Dental Squadron deployed a team of six dental residents, three staff dentists and four dental technicians to provide dental assistance to veterans during the second annual Veterans Mission of Mercy event at the Titan Army National Guard Readiness Center in Yutan, Nebraska, November 14-16.
The team integrated and mobilized with hundreds of civilian dental professionals to provide care to eligible veterans and their spouses.
Less than 15% of veterans receive dental health care benefits. In Nebraska, there are more than 100,000 veterans in need of dental services. The 2024 VETMOM event partnered many organizations together, which treated over 400 patients, fabricated more than 100 dentures and produced over $620,000 worth of free services over a two-day period.
“It is such an honor for the dental profession to provide care to the Nebraska veteran community,” said Dr. Charles Craft, Nebraska department of health and human services dental director. “We are proud to serve those who have served our country. Veterans are always very thankful to receive this treatment. Getting the opportunity to interact respectfully with this population and learn about their personal sacrifices is why more than 375 people volunteered for this event.”
Veterans and their spouses received oral surgeries, denture repairs, cleanings and other services. The main goal is to improve oral health and to improve the patient’s ability to chew.
The dentists who volunteered are all graduates of an accredited dental school and are licensed dentists.
Residents of the 55th DS also participating in the event after a one-year, postgraduate advanced education in general dentistry residency.
Lt. Col. Coleman Christensen, deputy program director, advanced education in general dentistry residency assigned to the 55th DS, volunteered on Friday and Saturday.
“It’s always great to give back to civilian community, especially with this event,” said Christensen. “This mission is special to me because it’s open to veterans.”
Due to the impact that was felt throughout the community, Craft is planning on continuing the partnership and is making plans to conduct another veteran dental mission in 2025
| Date Taken: | 11.22.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.26.2024 11:59 |
| Story ID: | 486002 |
| Location: | OFFUTT AFB, NEBRASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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