Give Veterans A Smile

In November, more than 20 central Ohio-area veterans received free dental care at the College of Dentistry’s annual student-organized event, Give Veterans a Smile.

“In Ohio, dental care is one of the biggest health care needs for veterans,” said Paul Georgin, a fourth-year dental student and the event’s coordinator. Georgin is
attending the College of Dentistry through an Air Force scholarship. After graduating, he will serve his active-duty years as a military dentist.

“We are pleased and proud to host the Give Veterans a Smile event,” said Dean Carroll Ann Trotman, BDS, MA, MS. “As a college that is dedicated to training dental
professionals and providing oral health care, we are glad to offer dental services to communities and people in need, including veterans throughout Ohio.”

Although the event began in 2017, Air Force veteran Jason Smith attended the event for the first time this year. Grateful for the opportunity to receive free dental care, he said this first visit wouldn’t be his last.

For Georgin, as well as for the students, faculty, and staff who volunteer each year, the event is an opportunity to give something tangible to a community that has selflessly served our country. “Putting together a program like this and getting involved with the veteran community—that’s important,” Georgin said.