ECU Offers Free Dental Care to Veterans at ‘Smiles for Veterans’ Event
ECU Dental School Provides Free Smiles to Veterans
Greenville, NC – East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine brought smiles to the faces of nearly 30 veterans on Saturday during their “Smiles for Veterans” event. The initiative, held at the ECU dental school, offered free dental care to those who have served our country.
army veteran Mitchel Hudson expressed his gratitude for the program, stating, “It means a lot to have this. A lot of people don’t have these services and I’m glad veterans do because thay deserve it.”
The event provided valuable hands-on experience for ECU dental students and faculty, allowing them to work directly with patients and provide essential care. Aleacia Lee, an ECU graduate and AEGD Resident, shared her experience, saying, “Usually with these events, I was doing assisting or something like that. But now actually doing the care for the veteran, it’s really special. I got a big smile after my patient left today.”
Smiles for Veterans, a non-profit organization, relies entirely on donations and grants to fund its mission of providing dental care to veterans in need. Founder and Chairman David McCracken emphasized the organization’s commitment to clarity, stating, “The amount of money we get, and I think this is the thing I’m most pleased with, is every single dollar, 100%, goes to some veteran’s mouth.”
As a veteran himself,Dean of ECU School of Dental Medicine Greg Chadwick understands the importance of supporting those who have served. “We enjoy having this school because of the people that have served in the armed services in years past and given us the opportunities to enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy,” he said.
Chadwick confirmed that this event marked the first “smiles for Veterans” initiative in Pitt County, but assured that it wouldn’t be the last. As its inception in 2018, the program has provided over $220,000 worth of care to more than 400 veterans nationwide.
ECU Dental School Gives Back: Free Smiles for Veterans
Greenville, NC – East Carolina University’s school of Dental Medicine recently brought smiles to nearly 30 veterans during their “Smiles for Veterans” event. Held at teh ECU dental school, the initiative provided free dental care to those who have served our country.
Army veteran Mitchel Hudson expressed his thanks, saying, “It means a lot to have this. A lot of people don’t have these services and I’m glad veterans do because they deserve it.” The event offered valuable hands-on experience for ECU dental students and faculty, allowing them to work directly with patients and provide essential care. “Usually with these events, I was doing assisting or something like that,” shared Aleacia Lee, an ECU graduate and AEGD Resident, “But now actually doing the care for the veteran, it’s really special. I got a big smile after my patient left today.”
“Smiles for Veterans,” a non-profit organization, funds its mission of providing dental care to veterans in need solely through donations and grants. Founder and Chairman David McCracken emphasized their commitment to clarity, stating, “The amount of money we get, and I think this is the thing I’m most pleased with, is every single dollar, 100%, goes to some veteran’s mouth.”
Dean of ECU School of Dental Medicine Greg Chadwick, a veteran himself, understands the importance of supporting those who have served. “We enjoy having this school because of the people that have served in the armed services in years past and given us the opportunities to enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy,” he said.
Chadwick confirmed that this event marked the first “Smiles for Veterans” initiative in Pitt County, but reassured that it won’t be the last.Since its inception in 2018, the program has provided over $220,000 worth of care to more than 400 veterans nationwide.