Operation Stand Down event offers free dental care to Arkansas veterans

Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Arkansas military veterans have a reason to smile. Delta Dental of Arkansas is gearing up to offer complimentary dental care to eligible veterans during the annual Operation Stand Down event, set for Nov. 3.

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Delta Dental’s Commendable Commitment

Two top executives and five individuals who have either been part of the present board or have served previously are among the dedicated volunteers stepping up to contribute their expertise. The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation has further deepened its commitment by financially sponsoring the initiative. A grant worth $15,000 has been allotted for procuring dental supplies, which will be divided among participating clinics.

The Arkansas International College of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, is set to host this year’s event. The services will be rendered across six distinct locations: Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Arkadelphia.

Veterans aiming to benefit from this free service are required to pre-book their slots. Gina Chandler from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is the point of contact for scheduling appointments. It’s essential for veterans to furnish their discharge documents, DD214, to verify their eligibility.

Veterans will be mapped to the nearest regional clinic site based on their location, ensuring convenience. The bookings will strictly adhere to a first-come, first-serve policy, with pressing treatments receiving higher precedence. It’s crucial to note that no on-the-spot appointments will be entertained on the event day.

The Operation Stand Down initiative traces its roots back to 2012. An Air Force veteran and Indiana-based dentist identified a recurring issue of overlooked dental health among his veteran patients. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he introduced this event as a scalable resolution. Since its inception, this commendable project has broadened its reach across several states, granting veteran beneficiaries access to indispensable dental care around Veterans Day annually.