The Adopt a Vet Dental Program (AAVD) provides free dental care to northern Nevada’s low income veterans who are in critical need. Although many of these veterans fought bravely for us on the front lines, they do not qualify for treatment at the VA Dental Clinic. The AAVD is a Reno based organization created by Linda Haigh–President, who identified the great need for dental treatment amongst needy veterans.
In March 2013, the Carson Area Chapter 388 of the Vietnam Veterans of America committed to assist in the expansion of the program in its “coverage area” by establishing and administering a branch of the AAVD in the Greater Carson area. Since the Chapters involvement in March 2013 the area has expanded to include Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Wellington, Yerington, Dayton, Silver Springs, Stagecoach, Fernley and Lovelock. It was apparent that there was a great need for an expanded program to provide care for the AAVD pre-approved veterans waiting for dental treatment in its area, some since 2011.
The first priority the Chapter faced was to contact each area dentist and solicit their help in providing approved veterans what has become known as “start to finish” dental treatment. “Start to finish” involves not only providing treatment for the veteran’s immediate problem, but providing the care necessary to bring their dental condition to the optimal level possible. The AAVD had applied to the Nevada Dental Board and was granted the awarding of up to 6 “Continuing Education Unit’s” per year to each dentist that provides this service. Many participating dentists have donated an average of $8,000 per patient. The only actual cost incurred is limited to any dental laboratory expenses for the fabrication of prosthetics (dentures, partials, crowns) which the AAVD pays for. There has been much accomplished and the Chapter has been instrumental in the completion of “start to finish” dental treatment for 19 veterans at a value of $107,004.99. Currently, the Chapter's program has 21 dentists who have volunteered to provide care under the program.
Chapter 388 members are involved in this program assuring that the program is available to all needy veterans in their area. Chapter members spoke to their personal dentists about the program and asked for their participation. Members are also committed to assuring the “veterans community”, and the community in general, is aware of the program.
Chapter 388 is proud of it’s achievement with the Carson Area AAVD program and continued efforts are made to increase the number of participating dentist, the expansion of the geographical area, offering financial support by scheduling fundraising events, and the overall awareness of this program that is available to veterans.
Chapter 388 members are rewarded by seeing the positive changes in the veterans that have received the benefits of dental treatment from this program.