Providing Care For Veterans

Glenn Ford came to Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) after losing between 14 to 16 teeth. Halfway through his treatment, he ran into an obstacle with finances. With the help of his student doctor, Brett Chappell of the Class of 2025, Glenn became a patient at the school's Vet Smiles Program. Started with donations from HealthCare Foundation of New Jersey, New Jersey Health Foundation, and Delta Dental of New Jersey, the program has been providing dental care to 175 veterans. 

"Student doctor Brett came and put the cape on and came back. He said, 'Hey man, come on down, you all lined up," recounted Ford with a smile. 

From regular cleanings to fillings, crowns, and dentures, these veterans are treated at the school’s dental clinics in Newark. Depending on the complexity of their case, they are seen either by pre-doctoral or resident student doctors under the close supervision of RSDM faculty, who are licensed dentists. Through Vet Smiles, eligible Essex County veterans can receive free care for all treatments except for implants while other New Jersey veterans can receive dentures only. There is currently a waiting list for the program.

"These veterans have been through so much, and I think we need to appreciate our veterans just by being here in the United States," said Assistant Professor of Clinical Affairs John Moran. "It's such an important part of who we are."

Chappell feels the same way. "This university has given me the opportunity to grow and learn as a skilled dental professional, and it's even more special when I get to pay back to someone who served our country," he said. Chappell will be joining the US Army Dental Corps to serve as a dental officer next year following graduation.

For more information regarding the program, contact patient representative Marinelly Rodriguez at (973) 972-4959.