Veterans Dental Day Highlight

from ODA Journal: May/June

by Oklahoma Dental Association

ODA Classified Listings

Veterans Dental Day

March 27, 2021

Ou college of dentistry Oklahoma Dental Association

“As a former Army Reserve member, I have made it my mission “As a former Army Reserve member, I made it my mission 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. Because of the pandemic we had to cut veterans. Because of the pandemic we had to cut the number the number of patients we can treat in half, but that did not of patients we could treat in half, but that did not stop us from stop us from making a tremendous impact in these veteran’s making a tremendous impact in the lives of these veterans. The lives. The goal is that this clinic will continue into the future and hope is that this clinic will continue into the future and take place take place on an annual basis.” on an annual basis.” Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Paul Mullasseril ODA Immediate Past President and ODA President and OU College of Dentistry Assistant Dean for Clinical and Preclinical Education OU College of Dentistry Assistant Dean for Clinical & 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.