Plaza College dental clinic offers free care to veterans
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For the month of November, the Plaza College Community Dental Clinic in Forest Hills is offering free dental care to U.S. military veterans and their immediate families for Veterans Recognition Month.
According to the college, most veterans do not qualify for dental benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs. As a result, many struggle to afford the necessary care to maintain oral health.
VA hospitals only provide dental care to those who qualify as prisoners of war or are 100 percent disabled.
Plaza College’s dental hygiene program is the city’s first fully-accredited American Dental Association teaching program in over 27 years.
Students work under the supervision of a certified dentist to conduct a full oral cleaning, which constitutes the majority of routine visits. Other work includes x-rays, screenings for oral cancer, scaling and polishing teeth.
“At Plaza College, our dental hygiene students strive to make a difference by providing accessible health care to New Yorkers,” said Dr. Laura Sleeper, director of the dental hygiene program. “We not only salute veterans but also their good health.”
