In observance of Veterans Day, the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) and My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) partnered to provide free dental care to military veterans at MCDC clinics in Charlotte, Detroit and Flint, Michigan.

Veterans and their families received free dental cleanings, fillings and extractions because a $10,000 grant from the DDF offset the cost of care. Dental staff performed nearly 500 dental procedures during the one-day event, totaling more than $32,000 worth of care.

Carl Tielking, a 56-year-old veteran from Lansing receiving care in Charlotte was most looking forward to having his teeth restored so he could enjoy his favorite snack again—a toasted English muffin.

Veterans expressed gratitude, appreciation and, for some, tears of joy for the treatment they received.

Carl Tielking, a 56-year-old veteran from Lansing receiving care in Charlotte, was most looking forward to having his teeth restored so he could enjoy his favorite snack again—a toasted English muffin.

“Right now I can’t eat hard foods like carrots and nuts like I used to,” Carl says. “I can’t get nutritious food that way. I want to have a healthy mouth and a smile that is not crooked.”

In addition to receiving dental care, veterans went home with personalized notes thanking them for their service, hand-written by Delta Dental employees.

Pictured: Carl Tielking of Lansing.