Smiles For Heroes
Less than 10 percent of veterans receive dental care through the Veterans Administration, and those who qualify must have a disability rating of 100%, which leaves many veterans without access to dental care.
However, in November in honor of Veteran’s Day, MCDC teamed up with Delta Dental Foundation and the Kent County Veterans Services to provide comprehensive dental care for veterans in Battle Creek and Walker.
More than 20 MCDC team members came together on November 13, at two MCDC locations to serve more than 50 Veterans. Long awaiting dental care, some Veteran’s traveled more than 100 miles one way from Southeast and Northern Michigan to receive care.
“I’ve been waiting a year to get my tooth pulled out,” tearfully shared a patient in Walker. Experiencing weight loss and malnutrition due to her inability to eat due to dental pain, the Veteran smiled, “here I am, and now it’s gone. Yay!”
Nearly $20,000 in care was donated including routine cleanings and routine complex treatments like a root canals. Veteran’s with extensive dental needs were given vouchers for continued care until May of 2022.
Evie, a former military parachute technician, and now MCDC Walker Office Manager, shared “I know first-hand access to dental care, especially through the VA, is very limited to none. So being able to offer Veteran’s something that they would otherwise no have access to, it warms my heart.”
Members of the community including, Senator Huizenga, City of Walker Commissioners Steven Gilbert, Melanie Grooters and Elania Huizenga-Chase came to show their support proclaiming “Veteran’s Day of Free Care” for MCDC in the City of Walker.
