Free dental care offered to veterans and their families

Health

Jul 9

Photo courtesy of Kent County Veterans Services

Eligible veterans, surviving spouses, and life partners in Kent County can once again receive free dental care through a continued partnership between Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) and My Community Dental Centers.

The initiative is designed to reach veterans who do not qualify for dental benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. There are no income requirements for participation. To be eligible, veterans must provide proof of service and proof of residency in Kent County.

"Our goal is to remove barriers to care and give back to those who've served our country," said Ryan Grams, Director, Kent County Veterans Services. "Dental health is often overlooked, and this partnership with MCDC helps us ensure that veterans and their loved ones don't fall through the cracks."

KCVS encourages any eligible veterans or their surviving spouses or life partners to take advantage of upcoming Free Dental Care Days:

July 11, 2025: 1411 White Creek Avenue NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
August 15, 2025: 890 3 Mile Road NW Suite 4, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
September 5 and 20, 2025: 4700 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

Since the start of 2025, more than 100 veterans and spouses have already benefited from the program, many of whom hadn't seen a dentist in years due to lack of access or affordability, and have now received much-needed preventive dental care.

Dr. Deborah Brown, CEO of My Community Dental Centers and an Army veteran who joined the service in 1984 after high school, also emphasized the importance of the program.

"Many people assume that because you're a veteran, when you get discharged, you have access to all health services—but that's not true. You have to be disabled a certain percentage to qualify for VA healthcare and dental care," Brown said. "Even myself—when I was discharged years ago—I didn't have any dental coverage. I found myself looking for a dentist and trying to pay for care on my own."

Brown said the free services can include cleanings, fillings, dentures, and emergency care. She noted that the response from veterans puts a smile on her face and reinforced the link between oral and overall health.

"If you don't have a healthy mouth, you can't have a healthy body," she said. "Just being able to interview for a job without pain or missing teeth—I've had veterans tell me, 'Now I can go and get a job.' That makes all the difference."

Appointments are required. To schedule, call 877-313-6232 today.

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