UConn Health

September 25, 2024 | Courtney Chandler - UConn Health

Dental Students Screen Over 100 Veterans at Annual Stand Down Event

Students performed screenings and connected veterans across state with important dental resources

Dental students Marissa Airoldi, Erica Mallon, Samuel Majek and Dr. Ellen Eisenberg with United States Senator Chris Murphy in Danbury.

For many veterans across the state, access to essential social, financial, and health services can be hard to come by. Basic oral health care can be especially difficult, as dental benefits through the country’s Veterans Affairs health system are only available to veterans with service-connected oral health issues.

Working to help close the veterans oral health care gap is the UConn School of Dental Medicine. This past weekend, students and faculty participated in the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs annual “Stand Down” event—a one-stop shop for Connecticut’s veterans to access services with a variety of state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and veterans organizations. From flu shots to legal services, local resources were available to veterans at several sites across the state.

Third-year dental students Jenna Whelan, Catherine Tang, and second-year student Dylan Hatajik distribute supplies during the 2024 Stand Down event.

“The Stand Down event was both impactful and memorable. Beyond providing services, we had the opportunity to listen to the veterans share their stories of their time serving,” said student leader and third-year student Stephen Ogarekpe

This is the second year that the School of Dental Medicine participated in this statewide event to deliver oral health screenings, hand out supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and denture cleaner, and distribute important information on resources for veterans. This year, the students provided over 100 screenings at the Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Norwich, and Stamford locations.

Dr. John Agar with dental students Marley Esch, Lenka Serdar, and Nick Mattioli.

“It was an incredible experience to honor our local veterans and be a part of such a wonderful community event,” said student leader and third-year student Lenka Serdar. “It was humbling to see so many veterans thank us for helping to determine their oral health needs and how to access care, when in reality we were most appreciative of their selfless service.”

Along with connecting with veterans and other vendors, the students met with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy in Danbury, and Mayor Caroline Simmons and State Senator Ryan Fazio in Stamford.

“It was a fantastic morning, and we were able to provide screenings and answer important questions from veterans regarding their oral healthcare,” said second-year student Dylan Hatajik.

UConn School of Dental Medicine’s efforts to address the dental care needs of veterans are made possible with philanthropic support, including the Delta Dental Foundation’s support of our Open Wide for Veterans initiative.