Kicks off multi-day clinics providing oral healthcare exams for veterans
Mark your calendar to attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for a new and expanded clinic at The Lighthouse Church. Recently announced, The Lighthouse Church will soon have additional operatories to accommodate patients who have no access to quality oral healthcare.
“Many of our veterans and others have no insurance and lack the resources for dental care,” explained Kevin De Arman. “We know how important oral healthcare is to overall health and well-being for our patients.”
In collaboration with faculty, staff and students at the St. Louis Dental Center, a community health center founded by A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) in partnership with Affinia Healthcare, multiple clinics over a period of days will welcome veterans at no cost thanks to funding made possible by generous donors, ATSU-MOSDOH, and Affinia Healthcare.
"Our services are critical because only 15% of veterans are eligible for dental care through the Veterans Administration ," emphasized Herbert Silva, DMD, ATSU-MOSDOH assistant professor, comprehensive care director, and leader of the Dentures for Veterans Project at the St. Louis Dental Center. “When veterans are no longer in pain and can smile again, they are more likely to engage with work, family, and socialization. These meaningful connections can prevent isolation and desperation.”
By the numbers, to date, more than 1,500 veterans have been screened and treated, and over 660 veterans have received more than 1300 full and partial dentures – at no cost to the recipient veteran.
WHO: Confirmed Speakers
Sr. Pastor & Board President—Tim Russell
Dental Minister & Board member— Kevin DeArman
Board member & Construction Company CEO— Rick Shipman
ADA 2025 Humanitarian of the Year & Chief Dentist @ Smiles of Hope—Dr William Kane
ATSU Professor—Dr Herb Silva
Additional VIPS and Elected Officials
INFO: For more information, please call Kevin De Arman 573.621.2593
REGISTER AND SUPPORT @ SmilesOfHope.com
SUPPORT VETERANS @ atsu.edu/support-mosdoh-vets
About The Lighthouse Church
Smiles of Hope was birthed through a vision of wanting to reach out to those that have a need for dental services but couldn't afford the costs. Our clinic began in a mobile facility with very limited resources in 2010. We have been blessed to expand into our own dedicated dentistry suite provided by Lighthouse Church. Further expansion is on the way as we begin work on a 33-chair dental clinic addition.
About A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Established in 1892 by A.T. Still, DO, the founder of osteopathic medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) began as the nation’s first college of osteopathic medicine and has evolved into a leading university of health sciences comprised of a growing community with a rich history in education and osteopathic healthcare. Today, ATSU offers certificate and master’s degrees across health disciplines; doctorates in athletic training, audiology, health administration, education, health sciences, medical science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dental medicine, and osteopathic medicine.
About St. Louis Dental Center
The St. Louis Dental Center, located at 1500 Park Ave. in the Lafayette Square neighborhood, is a state-of-the-art 79,000- square-foot clinical education facility with 101 dental chairs. Dental care is provided for the St. Louis community by Affinia Healthcare dentists and staff and ATSU-MOSDOH faculty and dental students. To learn more about St. Louis Dental Center services and schedule an appointment, call 314.833.2758. Please visit stldentalcenter.org or Facebook.com/stldental.center.
WHEN: Friday April 4, 2025
WHERE: The Lighthouse Church Clinic
