June 28, 2016
Openings available for ‘Give Veterans a Smile Day’
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Openings remain for an event at Southern Illinois University Carbondale that offers free dental services to veterans.
“Give Veterans a Smile Day” is July 9 at the SIU Dental Hygiene Clinic, 1365 Douglas Drive, located west of the SIU Arena.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 618/453-8826. Patients can leave their name and telephone number in a phone message. Patients will be seen by appointment only.
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover both the “Give Adults a Smile Day” and “Give Veterans A Smile Day,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 8 and July 9, respectively, at the SIU Dental Hygiene Clinic. Organizers anticipate 150 to 175 people will receive dental care over the two-day period. For more information, contact Jennifer S. Sherry, associate professor and event coordinator, by email at clnteth@siu.edu.
Jennifer S. Sherry, associate professor and event coordinator, said a student came forward with the idea for “Give Veterans a Smile Day.” The purpose of the event is to provide dental services to underserved groups, and Sherry said there are several veterans who do not have dental coverage.
“We need to take care of those who have given so much for us,” she said.
Sherry anticipates about 75 appointments. Fifty volunteers, including dental hygiene students and dental hygienists and dentists from the community, will participate. In both events, patients 20 and older will receive free dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, and fluoride varnish. Veterans who do not have dental insurance are eligible for the July 9 event.
To schedule an appointment, call 618/453-8826 and leave a message. Someone will return your call as soon as possible this week.
More information on the university’s dental hygiene program is available at sah.siu.edu/undergraduate/dental-hygiene/index.php.