About 200 veterans offered free dental care at Phoenix College

Donald Dawson's last two teeth were pulled about three years ago, leaving him with a mouth full of gums.

A couple of years before that, Dawson had no choice but to start eating soft foods because he had difficulty chewing through most solids. 

It would all change on Saturday, though, when the United States Coast Guard veteran would be given a set of dentures during a free dental care event at Phoenix College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic near Seventh Avenue and Osborn Road. 

"I'll be able to eat right, the way you're supposed to," he said while waiting in line, adding that the first thing he planned to eat was "a real salad."

About 200 veterans were previously given vouchers on a first-come, first-serve basis to attend "Dental Day for Vets" for free fillings, extractions and cleanings, according to Rita Perry, a faculty member at the college. Dawson was among 30 veterans set to receive dentures, she said.

Many of the veterans in attendance were believed to be experiencing homelessness, according to a press release about the event. Some may not have access to dental services or insurance, Perry said. 

"This is really exciting for me because a lot of veterans don't get (dental) service after they get out and teeth is one of the most basic human needs — you need it to eat, to talk and, aesthetically, it helps with self-esteem," said Elizabeth Torres, who served more than three years in the U.S. Army before attending Phoenix College last year. She was among about 40 of the college's students volunteering at the event. 

"Honestly it (the event) warms my heart because dental is not cheap. So the fact that people are giving their time and this work that could cost like hundreds of dollars, it makes me so happy, especially for the people who are really in need," Torres continued. 

The college partnered for the first time with the Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation to organize Saturday's event. For the past eight years, the foundation has organized its Arizona Mission of Mercy event annually in Phoenix, attracting about 2,000 people for free dental care. 

"The beauty of this (event) is we're taking care of veterans who have served us and now we can certainly serve them and take care of their needs," said Gary Jones, a dentist in Mesa and foundation board member.

"It's also very important that each one of these individuals are not in pain, they don’t have infection and a lot of times we can give them a smile which would give them more confidence," he said. 

Reach the reporter at chelsea.curtis@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @curtis_chels. 

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral today.