UConn dental students bring free dental care to Connecticut veterans

Most veterans in the VA health care system do not get dental benefits unless they have a service-connected dental problem. This rule leaves thousands without basic dental care. That gap was clear as veterans crowded the UConn dental booths in Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Norwich, and Stamford.

The 2026 Stand Down event in Connecticut operated as a 'one-stop shop' across six locations, offering not only dental and medical screenings but also housing, legal, and employment assistance to veterans statewide.

"I've done this event three years in a row. It's been one of my best volunteer experiences. It means a lot to see people who gave so much get real help in one place," said Marley Esch, a third-year dental student. The need was obvious. Each site saw about 50 veterans, said second-year student Jack Donlon, who called the dental booth "definitely one of the busiest booths."
Veterans got more than screenings. They left with toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and tips on how to care for their teeth-things that can be hard to get without dental benefits. Many veterans, Donlon said, wanted to talk and share stories. The booths became places for connection, not just care.
Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves met with students at the Danbury site and spoke about the impact. "We are so excited that the UConn School of Dental Medicine is here helping dozens of veterans. We are so grateful for the services they provide. There are veterans who come here and don't even realize these services exist for them. You can imagine the cost savings, but also what it does for overall health. I look forward to the students coming back next year-excited to be here and serve those who served us."

The Stand Down Norwich event featured on-site teams from VA Connecticut Outreach and the Veterans Benefits Administration Hartford Regional Office, assisting veterans with VA health care enrollment, disability claims, and PACT Act questions.

This was the third year in a row that UConn's dental school joined Stand Down. The event connects veterans with services from federal, state, and local agencies. For students, it's a hands-on lesson. Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students, said, "Participating in the Veterans Stand Down Event gives our UConn dental students a meaningful opportunity to serve directly in the community. Through oral health screenings, resources, and education, students gain direct insight into the unique oral health needs of our veteran population while providing care and support to those who have made significant sacrifices for our country. These experiences also allow UConn dental students to represent the School of Dental Medicine and extend its mission of service and community engagement across the state in these various venues."
For many, Stand Down is a lifeline. But it also shows how many veterans still need dental care-a problem seen elsewhere, like in the reported earlier in south-west England. The steady demand for free dental care at these events shows that big barriers remain.
A 2026 review of VA dental eligibility found that just signing up for VA health care does not mean a veteran gets dental coverage. Most have to meet strict rules to qualify. Because of this, Connecticut will start a new Veterans Dental Care Access Program on October 1, 2026, to help more veterans get dental care across the state.
What stands out is not just the number of veterans helped, but the drive of dental students who step out of the classroom to face real problems. Their work at Stand Down is more than a gesture. It's a direct response to a broken system, and proof that real change often starts with people willing to show up where the need is greatest.