The UNMC College of Dentistry is addressing the urgent need for accessible dental services within the veteran community through the UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic.
Alarmingly, only 15% of veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for dental benefits. In collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ VETSmile program, the College of Dentistry offers affordable or complimentary dental services to veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system but are not eligible for dental benefits.
Officially opened in July 2024, the entirely donor-funded UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic has already served 47 veterans. Patients receive care from UNMC student and faculty volunteers and establish a dental home for ongoing care and preventive services.
The college receives referrals from Lincoln VA Clinic primary care providers, ensuring these veterans receive the dental care they need while simultaneously providing UNMC students with valuable clinical experience.
The UNMC VetSmile Dental Clinic was spearheaded by Dr. Gerard Kugel, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry, and Dr. Gregory Bennett, a veteran and chair of the Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry. This unique initiative places UNMC alongside New York University as one of only two schools approved by the VA for a VETSmile Dental Clinic.
Kugel lost his father, a veteran, at the age of 3.
“I was raised on veteran benefits and have experienced firsthand the lack of care provided to veterans,” Kugel said.
While working in Boston, Kugel started a program called Service with a Smile, where dentists treated veterans in private practice. Once a month, his office would provide free comprehensive dental care to homeless veterans. When he became dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry in 2023, Kugel made it his mission to bring this important cause to UNMC.
While Kugel led efforts to establish the UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic, Bennett, leads the clinic’s operations. Early in his dental career, while serving at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton in California, many of Bennett’s patients were wounded veterans.
“My experiences helped me realize how I could use my skills to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans by ensuring they receive the dental care they deserve,” Bennett said.
During the VETSmile clinics, Bennett focuses not only on teaching his students technical skills, but also on helping them understand the importance of listening and showing compassion to patients.
“I’ve heard stories from veterans from all walks of life. It can be emotionally overwhelming work, but it’s close to my heart. It’s rewarding to see our patients finally receive the care they’ve needed but couldn’t afford,” Bennett said.
Peyton Halverson Granger, a fourth-year dental student, volunteers at the VETSmile clinic to honor her veteran family members.
“I’ve seen what veterans sacrifice for us and I want to do my part to thank them by giving back,” Halverson said.
She says it has been a rewarding experience to hear her patients’ stories while taking care of them.
“It has been life-changing for me to see how our work can change patients’ lives,” Halverson said.
During the clinic’s grand opening celebration in July 2024, Dr. Nicholas Murray, an assistant professor, shared a story that a recent graduate had written about her VETSmile experience.
“I witnessed immense gratitude and appreciation from the veterans I treated. My experiences helped me understand the importance of making meaningful connections,” the student said.
Murray said, “The students are learning more than just dental procedures – they are learning how to treat a person.”
The entire UNMC community is proud of the work being done at the UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic.
At the grand opening celebration, UNMC interim Chancellor Dele Davies said he is grateful the College of Dentistry is helping veterans in the community.
“In addition to education and research, community engagement is such an important part of who we are as UNMC,” Davies said.