Media Advisory: UB Dental to celebrate Veterans Day with free care for nation’s heroes

BUFFALO, N.Y. – In honor of Veterans Day, the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine will thank the nation’s service men and women by providing healthy smiles.

The second Dentistry Smiles on Veterans Day – a partnership between UB Dental, the Eighth District Dental Society and the New York State Dental Association – will provide local veterans with free screenings, cleanings, restorations, extractions and repairs. 

Through one day of free dental services, the program aims to deliver needed services to 180 veterans who lack dental insurance or do not qualify for dental treatment through the Veterans Health Administration, a benefit reserved only for those who received service-related injuries – although, all veterans are welcome.

“As a former naval officer, this event means a great deal to me,” says Joseph Zambon, DDS, PhD, dean of the UB School of Dental Medicine.

“I feel great pride witnessing my fellow colleagues within the dental community rally together to help those who served in the U.S. military. We are honored to again host this year's event, which plans to treat over 180 local veterans.”

The event will take place the day after Veterans Day, on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the UB Dental Clinic in Squire Hall on the South Campus.

More than 100 Buffalo-area dentists and hygienists and UB dental students and faculty will volunteer to deliver care that ranges from a simple cleaning to oral surgery. Students and faculty from the UB School of Social Work will also provide counseling services.

The day will open with a procession led by the Niagara Falls Air Force Reserve Honor Guard, followed by brief remarks from Zambon. Media are invited to attend. On-site contact is Marcene Robinson, 716-207-5814.

To be eligible for treatment, patients must have served in the U.S. Military or U.S. Coast Guard.