This page contains items from the ADA Archive and ADA member associations that showcase how dentists have provided exemplary care to veterans, from building trust through patience and compassion to assisting with reconstructive surgery.

Although there are ample stories about dentists finding ways to give back to our nation's heroes, many veterans, approximately 82%, do not receive dental benefits after they leave active duty. Below the exhibit items, a special section, Get inspired, Get involved! explores existing dental programs and ways you can ensure our nation's veterans receive the dental care they deserve.

“Most dentists across the country don’t know that veterans don’t get that care from the VA, and that each dentist can actually help by treating one veteran, five veterans. It doesn’t matter how many, just help.”

The following section details some of the people and programs around the country giving back to veterans, along with articles from ADA News highlighting their work. Get inspired by their efforts to bring smiles back to veterans' faces and get involved by following the links in each organization's section to volunteer.

<p style="margin-left: 1.25rem; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.25rem;">“The easiest way for dentists to make a difference in this country is to help our veterans. If every dentist across the country can treat just one veteran, we can move the needle in a positive direction.”</p>

Give Veterans a Smile

In 2024, the ADA Foundation launched the Give Veterans A Smile (GVAS) program. The program aims to call national attention to the oral health challenges faced by underserved veterans. The ADA Foundation is equipping the dental community to make a significant impact on the lives of those who have served our country by encouraging dentists and dental team members to provide pro-bono oral health services to those in need. GVAS offers resources, including program planning guides for dentists, dental societies and dental schools. National partner organizations include Dental Lifeline Network, Everyone for Veterans, Veterans Smile Day, Adopt A Vet Dental Program and Freedom Day USA.

For more information on how to be involved and to donate to the Give Veterans A Smile program, go to: www.ADAFoundation.org/GVAS

Everyone for Veterans

Everyone for Veterans "empowers veterans to lead healthy and fulfilled lives by providing them with resources, support, and comprehensive dental care." Founded by Dr. Theresa Cheng (see video below), E4V serves veterans and spouses who are experiencing financial difficulties and partner with civilians and professionals to provide free comprehensive dental care, goods, & services, to eligible veterans of the U.S Armed Forces and their spouses. Find out more about E4V below:

ADA 2021 Humanitarian Award Winner - Dr. Theresa Cheng, Everyone for Veterans [video] (2021)

Everyone for Veterans was founded by dentist Dr. Theresa Cheng. For her work with her organization Dr. Cheng received the ADA's 2021 Humanitarian Award.

<h4 style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">"I got connected with veterans and realizing I can make such a huge difference in their lives just got me hooked.... <b>I felt compelled to help these very deserving individuals, one at a time. </b>What would life be if we are not helping each other and our communities?”</h4>

Program that helps those who served in combat receive free oral care expanding (ADA News, 2019, pages 1 and 13-14)

This article features perspectives from some of the nearly 400 veterans in more than 15 states that have received free dental treatment as a result of the Everyone for Veterans Program (E4V). This Washington state-based nonprofit connects veterans with “wingmen,” - dentists who treat veterans at no charge.

The growing organization has more than 400 dentists, plus dozens of specialists and dental labs across the U.S. that provide volunteer services to low-income veterans. Dental schools are also getting involved - "Everyone in the school has found joy with helping a veteran and students are asking to be given the opportunity to treat a veteran."

<p style="margin-left: 1.25rem; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.25rem;">“As a society, we each share in the responsibility of caring for our returning veterans.”</p>

Everyone for Veterans nears milestone of 700 veterans treated to free dental care (ADA News, 2023, pages 10-11)

This article highlights E4V's status as a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Theresa Cheng D.D.S. and its mission to improve combat veterans’ quality of life. The organization provides free dental care to qualifying veterans and their spouses, recognizing the role spouses play in holding the military families together.

<p style="margin-left: 1.25rem; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.25rem;">"There is no better cause than those that volunteer to serve for the U.S. armed forces. I am happy to help."</p>

For more information about the program visit Everyone for Veterans.org. For opportunities to contribute go to Volunteer with Everyone for Veterans. This program is not affiliated with the American Dental Association.

Veterans Smile Day

“Veterans Smile Day” provides free dental care and support to military veterans and assist them to find a permanent dental home for themselves and their families. Learn more about Veterans Smile Day and the Veterans Smile Day foundation in the following articles:

Serving those who served: New Jersey dentists donate care during Veterans Smile Day event (ADA News, 2018, page 6)

This article covers the 2018 Veterans Smile Day event organized by Dr. Deryck Pham, a navy veteran and co-owner of a dental practice. At the event, more than 200 veterans received free dental cleanings, restorations, X-rays, gross debridements, extractions and root canals as part of a nationwide charity called Veterans Smile Day.

Veterans Smile Day ‘serves those who’ve served’: Annual event offers free dental care to military veterans (ADA News, 2023)

The article covers the inception of the event in 2012 with Dr. Pham's solo foray into serving veterans in his first year as a practice owner, the event's growth into a nation-wide foundation, and what veterans can expect if they attend Veterans Smile Day.

<p style="margin-left: 1.25rem; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.25rem;">“I always get great feedback from both sides. The veterans are always so thankful ... and the doctors always feel really good [participating], because when you put them in touch with this group of people, they realize how humble [the veterans] are and the sacrifices they have made.”</p>

For more information about the program and opportunities to contribute visit Veterans Smile Day.org. This program is not affiliated with the American Dental Association.

Adopt a Vet Dental Program

Founded in 2010 by Linda and Wayne Haigh, Adopt a Vet Dental Program has provided free dental care to more than 1,800 veterans, totaling over $9 million worth of dental care provided by 152 volunteer Nevada dentists. Learn more in the following ADA News article:

Nevada program provides donated dental care to more than 1,000 veterans (ADA News, 2019, page 3)

The linked article above contains heartfelt stories from veterans who have benefitted from northern Nevada's Adopt a Vet program. Many of these veterans have received desperately needed services after not being afforded dental benefits. One veteran from the article has returned to the program to "pay it forward" by volunteering weekly.

For more information about the program visit Adopt a Vet Dental.org. To find opportunities to contribute go to the Get involved with Adopt a Vet Dental Program page. This program is not affiliated with the American Dental Association.