ECU Smiles for Veterans Provides Dental Care to Those Who Served | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Dental student Trevor Staton, who was completing one of his three fourth-year rotations at the CSLC-Sylva, said working with veterans close to his hometown of Hayesville solidified his plans to eventually return home to practice dentistry-and to prioritize caring for special populations like veterans.

    "I'm overwhelmed to see how grateful they are," he said. "This day exceeds the goals and hopes I had for it. Now I know firsthand the need for care here.

    "I hope that those of us participating in Smiles for Vets and other outreach events begin to develop a service mentality and aspire to continue to volunteer at or even host similar events throughout our careers," he added. "This shows that the ECU School of Dental Medicine is true to its mission and is making efforts to improve the health and quality of life of all North Carolinians."

    Tempel echoed the importance of the dental school as an active hand in improving the oral health care of every person it can, particularly special populations.

    "This is the kind of incredible thing that can be done when leaders from the community and ECU put their minds and efforts together," Tempel said.


The veterans

    With his dental procedures complete, Gaebel's eyes lit up as he took another deep breath - this time not out of nervousness but out of relief and a renewed sense of camaraderie with those caring for him.

Dental assistant Samantha Roland works alongside Dr. Rob Tempel during the School of Dental Medicine’s third ECU Smiles for Veterans event Nov. 16 at the community service learning center in Sylva. | Photo: Spaine Stephens
    "For years, I've lived with dental problems but just didn't have the extra money," he said. "Any extra money I have goes to my family, my grandkids. I just can't believe this is happening today. I just feel so relieved."

    The students treating the veterans saw firsthand how dental problems are linked to other health problems and body systems. They got real-world exposure to the fact that dental care is integral to treating the health of the whole patient.

    "This is an eye-opening experience for us," said Caitlin Mehaffey, a fourth-year student from Clyde who has participated in two of ECU's three Smiles for Veterans events. "It helps us be aware of veterans' realities and gives us experience working with patients who have complicated medical histories. A lot of that comes from the mental and physical trauma they went through because of their service."

    Brasstown resident and U.S. Army veteran Susan Davis received follow-up care for a childhood accident that had been repaired through assistance from Veterans Affairs in the past. Davis's complications led her down several dead ends before she learned about ECU Smiles for Veterans.

    "This program is a godsend; this whole place is," said Davis, who worked as a dental assistant and hygienist during her service. "It means everything to me that I can finally get something done. It's important for my self-esteem and vitality. People need to know that dental health affects your entire body and your livelihood and your mental health."



"To stop and listen to the stories these veterans have to share and ensure that they know their service is appreciated and not underestimated is a privilege."
  — Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the School of Dental Medicine


'They all have stories to tell'

Dr. Rob Tempel of the ECU School of Dental Medicine observes as Dr. Robert Manga, faculty director of the CSLC-Sylva, provides dental care to a veteran during the event. | Photo: Spaine Stephens
    Even with mouths numb from dental procedures, veterans were ready to open up in a different way-to speak of their service and sacrifice.

    "To stop and listen to the stories these veterans have to share and ensure that they know their service is appreciated and not underestimated is a privilege," said Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. "To show them our appreciation by providing dental care that will hopefully improve their quality of life is an honor."

    Connelly said his bond with Gaebel came from knowing what he had been through and understanding what questions to ask to make him and other veterans comfortable both with their dental care and with sharing what else they carry.

    "Every veteran has a story," he said. "You just have to know how to ask to get that out. They love to tell it. Once they truly see that we're both veterans, they know we've been through the same thing. There's a mutual trust, and because of that, when there's an opportunity like this I can just go right back into my old habits and work to provide the best dental care that I can."

    After a chance to reflect on the day's events, Manga said Smiles for Veterans brought out the best in the students, faculty and volunteers.

    "It was a great example of community involvement," he said. "It does take a village, and on Saturday it was the village that took care of our veterans."
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