Veterans Dental Day
March 27, 2021
Ou college of dentistry Oklahoma Dental Association “As my mission “Asaaformer formerArmy ArmyReserve Reservemember, member,I Ihave mademade it myitmission during during my ODA presidency to plan a free dental care day for my ODA presidency to plan a free dental care day for Oklahoma Oklahoma veterans.of Because of the pandemic cut veterans. Because the pandemic we had to we cuthad the to number the number of we can treat half,did butnot that didus notfrom of patients wepatients could treat in half, butinthat stop stop us from making a tremendous theseveterans. veteran’sThe making a tremendous impact in theimpact lives ofinthese lives. goalthis is that will continue into the future hopeThe is that clinicthis willclinic continue into the future and takeand place take place on an annual basis.” on an annual basis.” Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Mullasseril ODA Paul Immediate Past President and OU College of Dentistry Assistant for Clinical & Preclinical Education ODA President and OU College of Dentistry Assistant Dean forDean Clinical and Preclinical Education
At the inaugural Veterans Dental Day on March 27, 2021, patients received free cleanings, extractions and more. The ODA, ODF and the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry joined forces with Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment (D-DENT), Eastern Oklahoma Donated Dental Services (EODDS) and other organizations from across the state to provide essential dental care to Oklahoma veterans. These procedures were performed by OUCOD dental students and faculty, and ODA volunteers. “The college is proud of our partnership with the Oklahoma Dental Association and are thrilled to be able to join together to provide free dental care for veterans in need,” said Dr. Raymond A. Cohlmia, dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “These veterans have dedicated their lives to the service of our country, and now it’s our honor to serve them.” With no dental benefits provided to veterans, getting the necessary 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. Proper CDC, OSHA, OSDH, and ADA COVID safety precautions were taken, and all participants were required to wear masks.
16 journal | May/June 2021
