I have been without teeth for 6 years and I feel amazing now. My new smile has changed my world.
TUSDM Cares for Veterans
TUSDM Cares for Veterans (formerly Service with a Smile) was founded in 2019 by two Iraq War combat veterans and TUSDM dental students, one now serving as an Army dentist. Inspired by a desire to give back and honor fallen comrades, they launched the program to address critical oral health disparities in the veteran community.
Dental care is consistently ranked among the top three unmet needs for homeless veterans, alongside permanent housing and childcare. Oral health issues—such as chronic pain or missing teeth—can interfere with basic quality of life and hinder employment opportunities.
Research shows that access to dental care significantly improves not only oral and general health, but also veterans’ confidence and sense of dignity.
Mr. Stephens, who recently received dentures and for the first time in many years can smile with a bright set of new teeth.
Impact
Our goal is to connect every veteran who is screened through the program with a dental home—either at TUSDM or with a trusted community provider. Through this initiative, students gain firsthand insight into the barriers veterans face and the life-changing impact of consistent, compassionate dental care.
Community partners
New England Center and Home for Veterans
NECHV supports veterans facing or at risk of homelessness by promoting economic self-sufficiency and independent living. NECHV houses an average of 230 veterans nightly, most of whom are ineligible for VA dental benefits, and regularly hosts TUSDM teams for oral health screenings.
Brighton Marine
Brighton Marine provides vital community-based services for veterans and their families, including housing for those at risk of homelessness. The organization maintains 25 studio apartments for vulnerable Boston-area veterans and over 100 subsidized units for mixed-income veterans. Brighton Marine also partners with TUSDM to host oral health screening sessions.
Soldier On
Soldier On is a private nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness. Since 1994, it has provided transitional housing and comprehensive support services to homeless veterans. As part of its efforts, Soldier On offers transportation to ensure veterans can access dental care appointments.
The veterans we serve are more than just patients, they become valued members of the TUSDM community and family.
Student
Delta Dental's Veterans Assists Program
Every Pass Counts! Assisting our heroes one smile at a time
Presented by Delta Dental of Massachusetts
98.5 The Sports Hub and the Boston Celtics Network are teaming with Boston Celtics’ star Sam Hauser and Delta Dental of Massachusetts for a special cause—to help connect every veteran in need of oral health care to a dental home and provide dental services to veterans at no cost.