Florida Dental Association offering free dental care to over 200 veterans

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -Part of the Civic Center turned into a dental office to brighten the smiles of veterans.

The Florida Dental Association hosting its seventh annual Mission of Mercy event.

They expect at least 200 veterans to show up to take advantage of this opportunity for free dental care.

From cleanings to fillings, to oral extractions, the Florida Dental Association puts veterans first.

“The VA doesn’t provide dental insurance. I lost a tooth within active duty and the VA doesn’t directly cover it. So for an event like this, it’s a gap measure that resolves a problem that I’ve had for a while now and I’m very grateful,” said veteran Jonathan Cruze.

Past missions served more than 10,000 patients and provided more than $11 million worth of treatments for free.

“These are folks that have defended our country. These are folks that get training when they go in at 18 and then transition into civilian life, they don’t have the opportunity sometimes that people do when they don’t go into the service,” said event sponsor Lew Wilson.

Veteran Ashley Haynes, was one of many getting.

“I’m just going to get some maintenance on my teeth. I know I have some cavities. I just want them to check it out and make sure that they can fix them or what they recommend I do,” said Veteran Ashley Haynes.

Thursday was exam day.

Friday, veterans will come back for any procedures needed.

The event is also open to the general public on a first come first serve basis on on Friday, Mar. 11, and Saturday, Mar. 12, 2022. Doors open at 7 a.m. and patients are encouraged to arrive early.

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