Former Navy Combat Dentist Treats Veterans for Free
Photos by Tom Briglia/Photographics
Mays Landing – Brickworks Dental in Mays Landing, New Jersey was filled with veterans on Saturday, October 2nd from 9am to 2pm, when dozens of volunteer dentists, assistants, and hygienists treated the dental needs of our nation’s neglected veterans.
In the US, there are almost 23 million veterans and over 85% of them do not qualify for any kind of dental care through the Veterans Administration. Recent news has exposed the lack of care available to our veterans due to poorly designed and implemented systems, scandals, excuses, and resignations. We are only beginning to understand the severity of the neglect our veterans have endured. One former Navy dentist wants to change this.
Deryck Pham D.D.S., was a Lieutenant in the US Navy, serving a tour as a combat dentist during Operation Iraqi Freedom on the ground in the deserts of Iraq. After leaving the military and joining private practice, he has a new mission – to help his fellow veterans.
Nine years ago “Serving Those Who’ve Served”, a Veterans Smile Day, was born. It is a day when dentists can make a difference and help a population that many Americans often forget about. Dr Pham and his team at the Veterans Smile Day Foundation work hard every year to recruit more offices to participate. Their goal is to one day have every veteran be able to have a dental home. During the Veterans Smile Weekend, hundreds of dental offices across the country open their doors to treat veterans at no cost. Everything from exams, fillings, cleanings and extractions are all provided free of charge. Last year, Brickworks Dental treated over 120 veterans and provided over $60,000 in free dental services.
For more information or appointments, call the office at
609-625-0505. www.veteranssmileday.org
