SHERMAN, Texas – On Tuesday, the annual Keep Veterans Smiling Day was held in Sherman, where Texoma veterans received free dental care.
Depending on your perspective, the sounds of dental treatment could mean breaking the bank or scaring you away completely, but for a long line of warriors, it was music to their ears.
“I’ve been in need of dental care for a while, and I have one tooth that may need to be extracted, so I was just grateful that they were doing this up here today,” said Air Force Airborn Linguist Bryan Osorio.
He stated that even with insurance, his last tooth extraction cost $700.
Dr. Sam Nechamkin founded the private non-profit to “pay it forward” because he believes America’s soldiers have already contributed so much via their service.
The event not only keeps veterans happy, but it is also beneficial to their health. Dental health is frequently associated with cardiovascular health, pregnancy, and, in the case of one Air Force veteran, mental health.
“Anybody can tell you that if you have teeth that are breaking down,” Air Force veteran Mollie Robinson explained. “It impacts your overall health, particularly your mental health. “I believe it is critical for my brain and mental health to keep my teeth healthy.”
On Tuesday, each veteran received one of three complimentary services: cleaning, extraction, or filling.
“I hope to get a filling,” Robinson remarked. “I’m not sure if I have a cavity but I think I might.”
Dr. Sam stated that he and each volunteer at his office care for veterans, and this is simply one way of demonstrating it. Two veterans who required additional care were selected by office staff and received full service.
“Dentures, fillings, crowns, really whatever they need,” Dr. Sam told me. “We just try to help out as much as we possibly can.”
