With the help of several volunteers, Dr. Todd Britten recently coordinated a free day of dental care for local veterans.
With the help of several volunteers, Dr. Todd Britten recently coordinated a free day of dental care for local veterans. Dr. Britten stated this was a cause close to his heart. Both of his grandfathers served in World War II, one having stormed the beaches of Normandy and the other was stationed in the Pacific. Two of Dr. Britten’s uncles served in Vietnam, along with close family friends who are currently serving in the military.
“I have always respected the sacrifices that our veterans and their whole families had to make to ensure our safety and freedom. The sacrifices are really innumerable,” said Dr. Britten.
Many dental professionals in the community reached out to help – hygienists, dental assistants, general dentists and other dental professionals willing to donate their time and resources to provide free dental care to veterans in need. The Community Dental Clinic of Clearwater and the local Clearwater VFW branch helped coordinate the care of veterans in need.
The event was held in Dr. Britten’s Clearwater periodontal office on November 5th and 6th. Volunteers came from his practice as well as Dr. Jim Hayslett from Clearwater Dental Associates and Britten Dental Associates in Lutz. Four veterans were seen for periodontal and restorative procedures, including IV sedation for two of the more extensive procedures.
One patient who received treatment was John Smith, who served in the US Navy in Vietnam from 1965-1969. Dr. Britten explained that he was honored to be able to help Mr. Smith. The VFW Post 2473 in Clearwater where Mr. Smith serves as canteen manager does much to help local veterans. Mr. Smith stated that his local branch recently fed over 100 VA patients and raised over $15,000 for homeless veterans and participated in additional fundraising for Cancer Research.
When asked what this event meant to him, Smith stated, “I get to keep my teeth and I can’t believe it’s free.”
Dr. Britten said it was all about showing our appreciation for the sacrifices that our veterans have made. This was the first event of its kind for Dr. Britten and his staff and he is hoping it will be the first of many. His practice, Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry would like to make this an annual event.
For more information, go to https://brittenperio.com or call the office at (727) 586-2681.
