By providing dental care in the convenience of your dental school, you and your students are improving the quality of life for veterans and their families.
By partnering with Dental Schools across the nation, Everyone for Veterans can provide even more accessible dental care to veterans, while also giving dental students vital experience. This gives our veterans the care they need and provides students with a better education and understanding or veterans' unique situations.
Who We ServeWe serve veterans who are experiencing financial hardship, have completed at least one enlistment period, and have been honorably discharged. Spouses of qualified veterans are eligible for services and support as well.
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THE NEED
The VA provides dental care exclusively to veterans with a 100% disability rating, former POWs, or other limited conditions, meaning that less than 15% of all veterans in the U.S. qualify for dental care.
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Millions of veterans are experiencing chronically poor dental health, living every day with pain & infection. Leading to a declining state of systemic health, depression, and low self-esteem. The veteran suicide rate is 1.5x higher than the general public.
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For the veterans we serve, sliding scale fee clinics are financially out of reach to them and they may only pay for urgent needs sporadically. When they can purchase dental insurance, they most often cannot afford the deductibles and/or portion not covered by insurance.
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WHY SHOULD YOUR DENTAL SCHOOL
PARTNER WITH E4V?
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This program creates a unique veteran outreach opportunity in your community. |
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Highlights the commitment of the school to recognize local veterans for their service and sacrifice. |
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Students experience compassion while understanding veterans' unique situations. |
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Provides students with better education and understanding of veterans from the perspective of mental health, suicide prevention, homelessness, and poverty concerns. Students can also have a student-led program to interact with veterans; interview veterans for qualifications etc. and elect candidates besides working to provide dental care. |
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It is an honor to serve those who have served. |
Our Partners In Action
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Jami, a Coast Guard Veteran
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She is a Coast Guard veteran who served as a Fireman Apprentice. She attends South Seattle College and is working on getting her Associates in Horticultural Sciences. She's really into the environment and animals and initially wanted to work in a nursery but finds it important to get knowledge about sustainability. She is originally from California and all of her family is there. She loves water sports, hiking, and skiing. She has a Siberian husky named Aria who is important to her.
Regarding her dental situation, it had been a while since she'd had dental work but she had some discomfort with some of her teeth and UWSOD student, Donna provided fillings and a night guard for her. |
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Jerry Schindler, Vietnam Veteran
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University of Iowa dental student, Craig Kozeluh, was happy to have the opportunity to give back to Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Jerry Schindler. Jerry deployed to Vietnam and was there for 2 years as an Advanced Medical Specialist and Flight Medic. He carried wounded soldiers, dealt with amputations and gunshot wounds including suturing, basically being the “doctor” in the field. He even delivered babies. During a rescue mission by helicopter, they took a rocket to the side of their helicopter. His body armor took a 2-inch piece of metal and for his injuries was presented the Purple Heart while in his hospital bed in 1968. Returning stateside, he was “traumatized” and suffered from severe PTSD. He feels more blessed than some. He married within 2 weeks of returning, went to the University of Michigan, and trained as a respiratory therapist. He worked in that field for about 7 years. Then, he got a bachelor's Degree in Theology and was in the Ministry for 25 years as an Assistant Pastor. Jerry retired in January 2017 to a very modest income and checks in with his psychologist when he hits some rough patches.
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Meet George, a U.S. Army Veteran.
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George was deployed to Iraq as a Calvary Scout. Returning stateside, he faced many obstacles and challenges. He shared with us that he was in a “bad way” for a long time and his painful dental state made things even more difficult. He had several decayed and missing teeth and experienced a lot of discomfort that affected his daily life. Because of this, he lost his smile and ability to chew properly.
When George applied to our program we were able to assign him to our dental partners at the University of Washington. UW dental student, Shannon Wilson, worked with George over the course of several months and made a full upper denture for him. We spoke with George recently and he said that when he found out that he qualified for free dental through UW School of Dentistry, it was a "huge relief!" He was in so much pain and since having the treatment, he feels so much better. He told us that everyone who has had a hand in his care has been "absolutely fantastic!" and it's made a difference in his life. |
HOW DOES IT WORK?
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1. Everyone for Veterans will recruit and screen veterans. All veterans must sign an Agreement & Release with E4V. We communicate clear expectations, outline out proper oral hygiene and follow-up care once they complete treatment with E4V.
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2. Senior dental students, under the supervision of your faculty, will provide pro bono comprehensive dental care to qualified veterans from your community at the school's dental clinic. The specific number of veterans you see is dependent on your schedule, availability, and budget.
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3. Once the qualified veterans are assigned yo your dental school, our staff assists your team, supporting and navigating the mission to ensure positive outcomes. Our team will follow up throughout the treatment process.
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4. When treatment is completed, we follow up with the veteran and dental school to ensure that expectations were met or exceeded by both parties. A patient ledger of services donated is sent to E4V, survey data is collected, and the dental mission is closed.
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Tau Sigma Military Dental ClubThe Tau Sigma Military Dental Club at the University of Iowa School of Dentistry hosts an annual letter-writing campaign to support E4V. Their goal? To connect 150 dentist across the state with our mission, urging them to lend their skills and time to serve veterans in their local communities.
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THE IMPACT
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Students have a better understanding of veterans. This includes a better understanding of homelessness, poverty, living with mental health, and suicide prevention. The suicide rate is 1.5 times higher than the general public in the veteran population. The WA Department of Health now requires a one-time 3 hr. Suicide Prevention Course for licensure. |
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Your dental school is generating dentists who can and will improve the lives of veterans anywhere in the country. |
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Your school will have an exemplary veteran care program to show other U.S. dental schools. |
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Last but not least, you are contributing to improving the lives of veterans. |
THANK YOU TO OUR DENTAL SCHOOL PARTNERS
Everyone for Veterans is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID number: 81-4462476