On Friday, November 3, 2023, The International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, and many Arkansas dentists will host the second annual Arkansas Operation Stand Down. These dentists volunteer to provide dental treatment to veterans at various dental clinic locations around the state of Arkansas.
What is Operation Stand Down
Fellow Dr. Daniel Fridh noticed that there was a trend of ex-military patients with neglected mouths. He knew there was a problem, and it needed to be fixed. He previously served in the Air Force for 3 years and even completed his dental residency while serving. He understands what our military men and women experience. In 2012, Dr. Fridh helped launch Operation Stand Down, a program designed to offer free dental exams and free or reduced follow-up services to veterans.
Where Can I Get Free Dental Care for Veterans in Arkansas?
Dentists in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Arkadelphia, and Pine Bluff will be participating in Operation Stand Down 2023, providing much-needed dental care to our veterans at no cost.
Beavers and Broomfield Dentistry has the honor of hosting OSD in Fayetteville along with volunteer dental professionals from around Northwest Arkansas.
All appointment times will be coordinated by Veterans Affairs and each clinic site in Arkansas. Acute or urgent treatment needs will be prioritized, but other dental needs may be dealt with during the appointments.
What Dental Treatments Will Be Provided?
- Acute/Urgent Treatment is classified as a patient in pain and needing immediate relief or resolution of pain. The services included cover dental or oral surgical procedures.
- Extractions will be provided for teeth showing severe decay, periodontal disease, or abscess
- Oral surgical procedures to resolve swelling or identify issues through a biopsy, etc.
- Filling of deep cavities on vital teeth or a dental procedure to clean the roots of the teeth and gums of an isolated area.
- Necessary/Needed but not urgent treatment is for patients showing obvious dental disease but not in severe pain.
- These treatments are for patients with moderate or showing the beginning stages of decay or gum disease. They also include treatment for individual teeth that are fractured but with little to no decay present.
- Routine Maintenance includes semi-annual appointments and ongoing maintenance.
- This treatment consists of a routine oral exam and x-rays and includes treatment to prevent dental disease.
- Fillings for cavities are also provided in this treatment category.
What Do I Need to Receive Free Dental?
In order to receive free dental care, all veterans must produce their DD214 for verification. Each patient will be assigned an appointment time scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis at the location nearest to them. We recommend that each patient provide an updated medication list so that we can provide you with the best care.
To register or request additional information, please contact Gina Chandler. You can reach her at (501) 682-6487 or gina.chandler@arkansas.gov.
