ALTON - Local veterans could receive free comprehensive dental care through the SIU School of Dental Medicine as part of their Veterans Day celebration.
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On Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, veterans received dental care at the hands of SIU students under faculty supervision. Dr. Katie Kosten, Director of Community Dentistry, explained that the initiative was an opportunity to support veterans while giving students more experience.
“We had a really great day,” she said. “It’s one of our favorite days of the year, for sure.”
Veterans were encouraged to make appointments starting in mid-October. Over 100 veterans were scheduled for appointments throughout the day on Nov. 13, and students worked with vets from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to fit everybody in.
While Kosten acknowledged they couldn’t address every concern in one day, the students worked to mitigate any pain or major concerns that the veterans were experiencing.
The veterans were also encouraged to join the waitlist to become comprehensive patients of the School of Dental Medicine. The SDM offers affordable comprehensive dental care to community members who qualify.
Kosten noted that most veterans do not receive dental benefits through the VA system and therefore go without dental care. The School of Dental Medicine works to “fill in that gap” during events like this.
Additionally, the Veterans Day event allows students to learn more about interacting with patients and providing dental care. Kosten shared that while the focus is on giving back to the veterans, the students also gain a lot through the experience.
“The students have a great time,” she said. “It's a great opportunity for them to use their clinical skills that they’re developing under our faculty supervision and reach out to those in need. Honestly, obviously, we’re doing this for the veterans, but the students receive a lot just working with that population as well. So it’s really an opportunity for us. We’re really grateful.”
She added that the Veterans Day event follows their “Give Kids a Smile” event in October, where they provide free dental care to local children. Both opportunities allow the SDM to share their skills and give back to the community, for which students and staff are thankful.
For more information about the SIU School of Dental Medicine, including how to become a patient or how to register for a free appointment for next year’s Veterans Day event, click here or call 618-474-7000. To learn more about how to apply for the SIU School of Dental Medicine as a student, visit their official webpage.
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