WASHINGTON — A D.C. dentist is working to give our vets something to smile about.
Last month, Connecticut Avenue-based dentist, Dr. Kambez Shukoor, offered a free smile makeover to a veteran in need. Multiple reached out.
Oral health is a big issue in the veteran community.
A report from Care Quest Institute of Oral Health found that veterans are 60% more likely than non-veterans to be experiencing tooth decay and poor oral hygiene. And yet, when it comes to coverage of dental care, 85% of those veterans that are eligible for medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs are not able to access dental care through them.
Dr. Shukoor, who is a retired Naval commander himself, wanted to do something to give back to other veterans. So he listed an offer on social media:
“Do you know a Veteran in need? This Veteran's Day, DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry wants to give back to 1 Deserving Veteran with a FREE Smile Makeover!” Shukoor posted. “... As a Veteran-Owned business, we know firsthand the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen.”
The offer asked people to submit nominations for veterans in their lives that are in need of dental care. The deadline for submissions was Oct. 31, and he recently selected the lucky winner — retired Sgt. 1st Class Tito Collins
Shukoor and Collins got started on the process over this past weekend, and it was a pretty extensive one.
“We wanted to just do sort of a minor small case, but Tito, he touched our hearts, and he was the best case there,” Shukoor said.
Collins served 23 years in the Army and did multiple deployments and overseas assignments during his time in the military. Now, it’s been over seven years since his retirement, and he said he was looking for a way to improve his health.
“As a senior non-commissioned officer, we always do the work and we’re always caring about our soldiers and taking care of them,” Collins said. “We always forget about ourselves.”
The practice gave Collins a smile makeover with implants and implant supported dentures. Shukoor said it was a lot of hard work in a short amount of time, but he’s grateful they were able to get it done.
“I feel emotional, happy, excited, because it's a step, a good step for me towards being back who I used to be,” Collins said.
It started with Collins, but Shukoor hopes to keep helping veterans in the future.