Veterans in Mount Sinai can get free dental care at Dental365 on November 8. The clinic's annual event tackles the real problem of access for those who served.
Before sunrise on November 8, veterans will line up outside Dental365 in Mount Sinai. For many, this Free Day of Dentistry for Veterans is more than a check-up. It is often their first dental visit in years. Cleanings, x-rays, and full exams are all free.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is not a marketing push. The idea started with a Dental365 staff member whose veteran father struggled for years to find affordable dental care. That story sparked a program now active in several states, with support from dental suppliers like Henry Schein.
In 2026, 31.2% of U.S. adults aged 18 and over did not have a dental visit in the previous year, highlighting persistent barriers to oral healthcare access.
2026 health equity statistics report
"America would not be what it is today without our veterans and their service to our nation," said Dr. Scott Asnis, founder and CEO of Dental365. "We are proud to help them maintain their oral health as a small token of our gratitude." Jessica Colón, chief of staff, remembers how the idea took off. "When we realized we could use our offices, staff, and partnerships to serve veterans directly, everything clicked. We opened our doors one Sunday-and people lined up outside before we even started. That's when we knew we could make a real difference." Dental365 does more than offer goodwill. The group gives its clinicians the latest tools and training. They focus on both patient experience and clinical results. "We empower clinicians with innovative tools, collaborative support, and ongoing education to continuously elevate patient outcomes and redefine excellence in dental care," Asnis said.
Veteran dental benefits in the U.S. are not automatic; eligibility depends on specific criteria, and many veterans do not qualify for free VA dental care. Private options like the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), offered through Delta Dental and MetLife, provide discounted dental coverage for eligible veterans and their families.
Military.comVeterans Benefits Reporting The event covers everything from basic cleanings to extractions and deep cleanings. But the bigger problem is clear. Veterans still face real barriers to dental care. This is not just a local issue. As reported earlier, free dental events in other places have shown just how hard it is for many to get care. The need for real, lasting solutions is urgent. Dental365's Free Day of Dentistry for Veterans is a direct answer to a gap that policy has not fixed. By using its own resources and partners, the group shows that private action can make a difference when public systems fall short. The message is simple: gratitude for service should mean real access, not just words. A PDS Health press release points out that similar programs across the country are working to expand dental care for vulnerable groups, including veterans who might otherwise go without treatment. In 2026, Congress introduced H.R. 10419. This bill aims to improve dental care for rural veterans by letting them get services from outside VA providers. It covers preventive, emergency, and restorative care, plus mobile dentistry and no-cost dentistry days. More details are in congressional coverage on H.R. 10419.
Elliot Rowan is the Founder & Editorial Director of The Young Dentist, overseeing coverage of dentistry, oral health, evidence, professional standards, policy and dental technology. His editorial approach focuses on clinical usefulness, reliable sourcing and separating meaningful developments from speculation, marketing and headline-driven claims.
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