Three Albuquerque and Santa Fe dental practices provided free care to 21 veterans in honor of Veterans Day
Organized in partnership with three local dental offices, the PDS Foundation and Dr. Ryals brought together dental professionals and volunteers to honor veterans’ service with a day of donated dental care.
Santa Fe Modern Dentistry, Bosque Smiles Dentistry and Eagle Point Dentists opened their doors on Saturday, Nov. 9, where dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants from each practice volunteered their time. They were joined by dental assisting students from Pima Medical Institute and dental students from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Together, the teams provided donated care to honor veterans’ service and help meet their essential oral health needs.
The PDS Foundation is dedicated to expanding access to oral health care for underserved patients, including veterans and others with PTSD, disabilities, and sensory needs. Through its special needs dentistry program, the Foundation offers educational resources, specialized training, and advocates for broader access to care.
“We’re honored to help host Give Vets a Smile in New Mexico and, with the help of Dr. Ryals, connect local veterans with essential oral health care,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. “Our special needs dentistry program focuses on education, advocacy, and expanding access to specialized care for underserved populations, including veterans. Our goal is to ensure that every individual receives not only the care they need but also the dignity and respect they deserve, and we look forward to building on the success of this event to reach even more veterans in the future.”
As part of its commitment to expanding access to care, the PDS Foundation also coordinated additional support services during the event. Veterans received connections to mental health resources, job opportunities, and training programs while they awaited treatment. Partnerships with Everyone for Veterans, Dental Lifeline Network, Hanley Foundation, Henry Schein Cares Foundation, and the New Mexico Dental Association Foundation were instrumental in making this day of free care possible for veterans across the region.
Nationwide, 85% of veterans are ineligible for dental coverage through their primary provider, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Only veterans with a service-connected compensable dental disability, former prisoners of war, or those with a 100% disability rating qualify for VA dental services. For veterans who do not meet these criteria, access to dental care is limited, resulting in a significantly higher risk of oral health issues: veterans are 60% more likely to experience tooth decay, and 42% report periodontal disease. Left untreated, these conditions not only affect veterans’ oral health but also contribute to systemic health issues, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and complications in managing diabetes.
“Far too many veterans are forced to go without a dental visit for months or even years, which is a serious problem,” said Dr. Ryals. “I’m grateful to play a role in helping local veterans receive the care they need. Knowing that oral health has a direct connection to overall health, our efforts not only address immediate needs but also help protect veterans from more serious conditions and connect them with a dental home for ongoing care.”
To learn more about the PDS Foundation’s initiatives and its commitment to expanding access to care for underserved communities, visit pdsfoundation.org.
