UNMC Unveils VETSmile Dental Clinic: A New Era for Student Smiles!
At the forefront of a crucial mission, the UNMC College of Dentistry is stepping up to tackle the pressing need for accessible dental care for our heroes—our veterans—through the newly launched UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic.
It’s shocking to learn that a mere 15% of veterans enrolled in the VA health care system qualify for dental benefits. To bridge this gap, the College of Dentistry has partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ VETSmile program, offering affordable or even free dental services to veterans who are part of the VA system but don’t qualify for dental benefits.
Officially inaugurated in July 2024, the fully donor-funded UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic has already made a significant impact, serving 47 veterans in its early days. Here, patients receive care from dedicated UNMC student and faculty volunteers, establishing a dental home that focuses on long-term care and preventive services.
Referrals from the Lincoln VA Clinic’s primary care providers ensure that veterans get the dental attention they deserve while students gain priceless clinical experience. It’s a win-win that enriches both sides!
Pioneered by Dr. Gerard Kugel, the dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry, and Dr. Gregory Bennett, a veteran and chair of the Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry, this groundbreaking initiative positions UNMC alongside New York University as one of only two institutions licensed by the VA to operate a VETSmile Dental Clinic.
Dr. Kugel has a deeply personal connection to this cause; he lost his veteran father when he was just three years old. “Having grown up with veteran benefits, I know all too well the shortcomings in care for those who served,” Kugel shared. His commitment to change began in Boston with a program called Service with a Smile, where dentists provided essential care to homeless veterans. Now, as dean, he’s on a mission to bring this vital service to UNMC.
Taking the reins of clinic operations, Dr. Bennett draws from his early career experiences at Camp Pendleton, where many of his patients were injured veterans. “These experiences opened my eyes to how I could honor the sacrifices of our veterans by ensuring they receive the dental care they rightly deserve,” Bennett stated.
At the VETSmile clinics, Bennett emphasizes not only technical skills but also the critical importance of compassion in patient care. “Hearing the stories of veterans from all walks of life can be emotionally overwhelming, but it’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the relief on their faces when they finally receive care they’ve long needed but couldn’t afford,” he said.
Peyton Halverson Granger, a fourth-year dental student, dedicates her time at the VETSmile clinic to honor her family’s military legacy. “Seeing what veterans sacrifice for our freedom inspires me to give back to them,” she noted, reflecting on the profound impact of her work. “It’s truly transformative to see how our efforts can change lives.”
During the grand opening celebration in July 2024, Dr. Nicholas Murray, an assistant professor, highlighted the heartfelt experiences of students, including a recent graduate who expressed, “I witnessed immense gratitude from the veterans I treated. These moments taught me the value of creating meaningful connections.”
Murray emphasized, “Our students are learning more than just dental procedures; they’re learning how to treat a person with compassion and respect.”
The entire UNMC community beams with pride over the transformative work being done at the UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic. At the grand opening, interim Chancellor Dele Davies expressed his gratitude for the College of Dentistry’s commitment to serving veterans in the community. “Community engagement is not just an aspect of who we are at UNMC—it’s at our core,” Davies affirmed.
