Midwestern University Dental Students Help Care for Veterans

Students from Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) recently participated in the annual DuPage County Veterans Stand Down. The event, with support from various local, state, and national veterans’ organizations, provides a wide range of services to veterans in Illinois. The DuPage County Health Department and CDMI students worked together to provide oral healthcare information and dental services for the veterans.

During the Stand Down, fourth-year dental students, under the guidance of licensed dentists, were able to provide care including dental exams, radiographs, fillings, extractions, and cancer screenings. “There were 10 veterans who received 142 dental services on the day of the event. It would not have been possible to see these 10 veterans without the help of the Midwestern students. All of the veterans who received services that day were also given referrals for additional dental treatment,” said Beth A. Enke, Assistant Director of Dental Health, DuPage County Health Department.

In addition to the dental services, veterans received information about VA programs, Social Security, and employment opportunities. Throughout the year, CDMI students volunteer to provide dental education and services to local organizations and those in need.