For many veterans, accessing basic dental care has long been a struggle of both cost and eligibility. This month, that barrier was dismantled for nearly 70 local veterans during the ninth annual “Smiles for Our Heroes” event, a flagship initiative hosted by Zufall Health in partnership with the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation.
The event, held June 13 at Zufall’s West Orange site, provided comprehensive, no-cost dental services—ranging from cleanings and fillings to crowns and bridges—to those who served in the armed forces.
For many attendees, the event served as a life-changing entry point into a health care system they previously could not afford. The program highlights a systemic challenge: only 15% of veterans are eligible for VA dental coverage. For the vast majority, the high cost of private care leads to years of neglect.
“No one, especially those who served our country, should have to depend on luck to access basic health care services,” Fran Palm, president and CEO of Zufall Health said. “For nine years, Smiles for Our Heroes has helped to rewrite that narrative for veterans in New Jersey.”
The stories of those treated underscore the depth of the need. Deborah, a Cold War-era Army veteran, had gone over a decade without dental care due to financial constraints. She only discovered the program by chance while riding a shuttle bus to the VA Medical Center. Since enrolling, she has received essential dental work, including treatment for a partial denture, allowing her to “smile more freely.”
For others, like 77-year-old Navy veteran Ted, the event offered a path to necessary procedures he had delayed for years. “I never really understood why dental care isn’t a benefit for veterans like me,” Ted noted. “My teeth go with me everywhere I go. They’re part of the body.”
While the dental chairs were the heart of the event, the day functioned as a broader community gathering. Veterans and their families were treated to a festive atmosphere featuring live music by the Denville String Band, while various social service and support organizations provided resources.
The event drew significant support from government officials, including:
- Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10)
- Nashon Horsby, Deputy Commissioner of Population Health, New Jersey Department of Health
- Susan McCartney, Mayor of West Orange
Additionally, a formal proclamation was issued by State Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, and Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney.
The initiative is powered by the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, which has partnered with Zufall Health for nearly three decades.
“We were proud to support this year’s Smiles for Our Heroes and help provide critical dental care to nearly 70 veterans,” Paul Di Maio, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey said. “We’re grateful to our longtime partner, Zufall Health, for making this impact possible and look forward to celebrating the program’s 10th anniversary in 2027.”
For participants like Philip, an 80-year-old Marine Corps veteran, the relief provided by the volunteer dental team was more than just physical. “The worst thing for anyone is not being able to afford dental care,” he said. “Having this help got me out of the hole I was in.”
