Give 100 Veterans a Smile brings dental care to those in need

Madison College and the Greater Dane Dental Society (GDDS) teamed up to honor veterans with a free dental clinic on Nov. 10. Veterans received X-rays and dental exams at the Madison College Dental Clinic at the Truax campus, and referrals to local dentists for no-cost comprehensive care. 

Many veterans lack dental care coverage or access to affordable dental services. US Navy veteran Harold Hollingsworth attended the Sunday clinic and was impressed with the event. 

“It’s wonderful that people would dedicate their time to help veterans,” Hollingsworth said. “There would be no country and freedom if it weren’t for veterans." 

This sentiment reflects the mission of the event: to care for the veterans who served their country, according to Dr. Adina Ness, Clinic Director at the Madison College Dental Clinic. “With Veterans Day, we wanted to express our gratitude for their sacrifices,” Ness said. “This event is a small and humble way to thank them for their service today and every day.” 

Honoring veterans with free dental care

The event was possible with the help of more than 28 dental hygiene and assistant students, 12 Madison College staff members (dental hygiene, dental assisting, nursing) and 10 dentists from the Greater Dane Dental Society. Madison College's Dental Hygienist Program is widely respected with students developing developing hands-on experience at on-campus dental clinic.

Dr. Moon Lee, GDDS Trustee and Community Outreach Chair, emphasized the need for improved dental health among veterans. “There is a significant need for dental care in the veteran community, especially in Madison,” Lee said. “Many veterans require care but don’t qualify for it through the Veterans Administration, so we aimed to address some of that need here. We couldn’t have accomplished this without the involvement of Madison College, dentists from Greater Dane Dental Society, and volunteers who offered dental care at their offices for free.” 

As part of the initiative, more than 20 dentists donated non-cost referral dental care, including procedures from fillings to root canals and implants, which veterans would typically have to pay for out of pocket. Veterans can also access affordable dental cleanings for $30 at the Madison College Dental Hygiene Clinic by calling (608) 258-2400.

US Army veteran Roshontla Parks, who served as military police and was stationed in Iraq, attended the Sunday event and signed up for another appointment. “This is my first Veterans Day that I can enjoy and take care of myself with my Monday appointment,” Parks said. 

Madison College and the Greater Dane Dental Society plan to partner again to make this event an annual tradition.