SARASOTA — To give back to the community, local doctors are offering free dental treatment to veterans every Veterans Day.
Affordable Dentures & Implants has a long history of veterans philanthropy, with practice owners who have a military background themselves helping one of their own for free.
Dr. Charles Gillam, of Affordable Dentures & Implants Sarasota, provided Air Force veteran Thomas Patrick with a new set of dentures, according to a news release.
Patrick, a retired airman first class, was suffering with dental problems, including a broken tooth and bone loss in his jaw, it stated.
Gillam, who retired as a lieutenant colonel and helicopter pilot, served in the Air Force, receiving a Bronze Star during his 24 years of service.
The veteran followed in the footsteps of his father, also a lieutenant colonel, who received four Bronze Stars.
Patrick said the free dental work made his dreams come true of having his smile back, a wish he put on the back burner to provide for his family.