Nonprofit Gives Tucson-Area Veterans Something to Smile About
In November, our collaboration with Pat Parris and KGUN9’s The Giving Project continues. Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11th and we’re spotlighting a veteran nonprofit with Smiles for Veterans. Started here in Tucson nearly 10 years ago, Smiles for Veterans is dedicated to getting quality dental care for vets in need.
“(You) need to realize how much these people sacrifice to protect our freedom,” said Mark Lamberton, the Smiles for Veterans Secretary. KGUN 9 first introduced audiences to Mark Lamberton and Smiles for Veterans in July of 2022. Today, the nonprofit is making an even larger impact. “We’ve probably more than tripled our capacity per year since then,” Lamberton said. 92% of veterans do not qualify for VA dental care.
“So, we’re trying to fill the gap and get the veterans the help they need,” said Kristen Sevic, president of Smiles for Veterans. Sevic says that help means connecting veterans with dental issues with one of Smiles for Veterans’ participating practices. All dental costs, including dentures, are free of charge to the veterans.
To learn more about Smiles for Veterans, explore their website: smilesforveterans.org/
To read more and watch the story from KGUN9, go here: kgun9.com/givingproject/nonprofit-gives-tucson-area-veterans-something-to-smile-about