The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s Heroes Clinic is recognizing a year of providing dental care to CU’s military students by expanding its mission and hosting a celebration on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11 with faculty, staff, students and veteran patients.
In collaboration with the CU Denver | Anschutz Office of Veteran Student Services, and thanks to a $1 million gift from Delta Dental of Colorado in 2014, the CU Heroes Clinic has been providing free dental care for military veterans enrolled in a degree program at CU Denver or CU Anschutz.
After a very successful first year of providing over $100,000 worth of free care to nearly 250 student veterans, the Heroes Clinic is proud to expand its services to now cover student veterans at CU Boulder and UCCS.
“We are honored to support the Heroes Clinic and serve those who have served our country,” said. Kate Paul, president of Delta Dental of Colorado. “By expanding dental services to student veterans at all CU campuses, we hope to help even more of our country’s heroes in a clinic created specifically to fit their needs.”
Many student veterans do not qualify for or receive coverage for dental care when they leave military service. The Heroes Clinic addresses this gap by providing dental services which will supplement health care provided through the Veteran’s Administration.
CU is a recognized leader in supporting veteran students and their transition from service to civilian careers. The Heroes Clinic delivers the same level of excellence with care often provided under the direction of veteran faculty and special accommodations made for patients with unique needs such as those suffering from PTSD.
“Student veterans are an underserved population, and we are proud to take a leading role in supporting their dental needs,” said Dr. Denise Kassebaum, dean of the CU School of Dental Medicine. “By ensuring these students receive quality care at no cost, we allow our student veterans to focus on their education.”
Staffed by faculty and fourth-year students, the Heroes Clinic operates every Monday, Thursday morning and Friday. Services provided to veterans include both preventive and restorative, with orthodontic services expected to increase over the next year.
*Note: The CU School of Dental Medicine's Heroes Clinic/Program exceeded milestones and its funding goals. The school partnered with Veterans Affairs in 2022 to offer a new program called VETSmile.
