Free Dental Care For Vets This Friday

NFDC Staff during last year's event- Photo by Gail Howarth

No, no catch. Here’s the skinny...

“Everyone here has been just phenomenal.”
These were the words of Jerry Wallace one of the veterans who participated in  the  incredibly generous offer from Newaygo Family Dental Care a year ago. Last November in honor of Veterans Day (one of whom happens to be NFDC’s own Dr. Dennis Nelson, Radiographic Specialist. 1968- 1971. Fort Sam Houston Med evacuation center. and AFEES Cleveland. Fifth Army.)  the clinic opened its chairs for a day to any veterans that came through their doors, providing x-rays, exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Free.
Yes, no mistake we said free.
The day-long event was very well received so plans were made for a second annual event to be held later this week.
N3 caught up with Dr. Ross Nelson (a busy guy) to pose a couple of questions.

 This is your second year providing this service for Veterans. What led to this initiative? 
It’s something that Dad and I felt strongly about, and we see veterans every day in our practice. Some get the dental treatment they need and some struggle accessing it.  We knew we could do better.
 
How was the response last year? Anything stand out from the first one?
Our first year was great.  It let our team get a process established so we could grow the number served.  All the veterans were awesome. Solid, happy, and appreciative is how I would describe them.  It really made the day a lot of fun and gratifying for all of us. 

What do people need to know about making arrangements to come?
 We open doors this Friday, Nov 8 at 8 AM.  We are working straight until 3, serving as many as possible.  First come, first served. Services are done one at a time, per veteran.  If a veteran wants to re-enter and stay to get more done, they are more than welcome to. 
I spent a half morning this fall driving around the county soliciting other dentists in our community to have their own Veterans Day, and I know Dr. Leyder in Croton agreed and is opening his doors the same day this year.I was very encouraged by several of my colleagues about their willingness to join in our efforts. 
 
,A lot of people talk about doing more for veterans.
Others show us how its done.
On Friday Newaygo Family Dental Care puts its compassion into action.
And we think it makes them awesome.