Marshall Health News
Marshall Health hosts free dental event for veterans
11/11/2022
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Health commemorated Veterans Day this year with a free dental care event for West Virginia military members, retirees, veterans and their families.
During the “Stars, Stripes and Smiles” event, made possible through an $80,000 grant from Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health, the dental team from Marshall Health provided comprehensive dental treatment at no cost to about 50 military members, including veterans, retirees, active duty, reservists and National Guard and immediate family members.
“We are so grateful to show our appreciation to our veterans by way of comprehensive dental treatment they would not otherwise receive thanks to the generosity of our friends at Highmark,” said Marshall Health oral surgeon Raj K. Khanna, D.M.D., M.D., professor and chair of dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Our veterans and military personnel have given so much to our country. This event is a great way to give back to them a healthy smile they can be proud of.”
The team from Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery partnered with several organizations and agencies to identify West Virginia military members and veterans in need of dental care prior to the event date. Dental care provided varied based on individual treatment needs and ranged from preventive exams, x-rays and cleanings to extractions, fillings, dentures and more.
“The Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health is proud to partner with Marshall Health on today’s event,” said Jim Fawcett, president of Highmark West Virginia. “Helping local veterans in such an impactful way on Veteran’s Day truly serves the mission of Highmark, and we look forward to more activities like today’s to serve others.”
Both organizations hope this can become an annual appreciation event for veterans. For more information about Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery, visit marshallhealth.org/dentistry or call 304-691-1247. For news and information about Marshall Health, follow us on Twitter @Marshall_Health, like us on Facebook or visit marshallhealth.org.
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Photos: (1) Pictured left to right are Bobbi Jo Muto, M.P.H., R.D.H., community and oral health programs coordinator at the School of Medicine; SSG Judd Holcomb, WV Army National Guard; Raj Khanna, D.M.D., M.D., chair of dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery; Cathy McAlister and Bethany Ross, both with Highmark Health. (2) Dr. Raj Khanna talks with a patient.
Media Relations Contact
Michele McKnight
Assistant Director of External Affairs
304-691-1713
mcknigh4@marshall.edu
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