LINCOLN, Neb. — For many Nebraska veterans, accessing dental care is a significant challenge. However, during the last weekend of September, more than 400 veterans left the Nebraska National Guard Titan Readiness Center with renewed confidence and healthy smiles. The center hosted Nebraska’s third Veterans Mission of Mercy (VETMOM), a two-day dental clinic offering free services to those who have served the country.
The event, held on Sept. 26 and 27, provided over 425 patient visits and more than 2,500 dental services, including cleanings, fillings, root canals and extractions. Notably, over 100 dentures were provided, with digital impressions sent to a lab for 3D printing, allowing veterans to receive their new dentures within 24 hours. The total value of services rendered was estimated at $550,000.
The need for such events is evident, as only about 10% of Nebraska’s 115,000 veterans qualify for dental care through the VA. Post-event surveys indicated that over 45% of attendees cited cost or lack of insurance as their primary barrier to dental care, and more than 20% traveled over 100 miles to attend. Nearly all participants—98%—reported satisfaction with their experience…