Aspen Dental’s Fifth Annual Day of Service is just around the corner, and veterans should sign up now for the opportunity to receive free dental care on June 9 from approximately 500 Aspen Dental offices.

Nearly 150 million Americans didn’t go to the dentist last year and millions more live in places where there is little or no access to care. Other barriers get in the way too, like cost, lack of insurance and fear. This is especially challenging for many veterans. (Did you know that most veterans are not eligible for dental benefits through the VA? The only way they qualify is if they are 100 percent disabled, have a service-related mouth injury or were a prisoner of war.)

Aspen Dental is working to close this gap through its Healthy Mouth Movement, an initiative that provides free dental care and oral health education to veterans. Since the launch of the Healthy Mouth Movement, approximately 10,000 dentists and their teams from Aspen Dental practices across the country have volunteered their time and donated over $10 million in dentistry to more than 17,000 veterans and people in need.

“Day of Service means so much to me because I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is for veterans to access the dental care they desperately need,” said Jere Gillan, DMD, an Aspen Dental practice owner in Florida and U.S. Air Force Veteran. “I’m honored to be part of an organization that is so committed to making a difference in the lives of some very deserving people—our nation’s veterans.”

Norman Crabbs is one such veteran who has been touched by the Healthy Mouth Movement. “I hadn’t been to a dentist since I served in the Army, and for a really long time I couldn’t smile without being embarrassed,” said Crabbs, a Vietnam veteran who will be receiving free care as part of these efforts. “I can’t thank the doctors at Aspen Dental enough for giving me back my smile. I could never have afforded all the services I needed and now I can’t wait to show my new friends at the Aspen Dental office the photos of me smiling at my 50th high school reunion this summer.”

(Courtesy of Aspen Dental)

Veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a participating Aspen Dental office in their community and schedule an appointment during this year’s annual Day of Service. Advance appointments are required.

Keep in mind that during the Day of Service, Aspen Dental dentists and teams treat the most urgent needs of each veteran to ensure they are relieved of any dental pain, including anything from fillings and extractions to basic denture repairs. Routine cleanings and exams are also provided.

In addition to the efforts of local volunteers on the Day of Service, the Healthy Mouth Movement is also reaching veterans through its MouthMobile, a 42-foot-long, fully equipped dentist office on wheels that travels state to state providing free care to veterans in communities where care may not be easy to access. It has traveled to more than 30 states over the past four years.

More information about Day of Service can be found at the Healthy Mouth Movement website.

Leah Ingram's mission is to help you feel more confident about your spending, regardless of income. She's written 14 books, including Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less and Toss, Keep, Sell! Her 15th book is The Complete Guide to Paying for College. Leah is a money-saving expert who has shared her unique personal finance approach and advice about getting the most bang for your buck on local and national TV, including The Weather Channel, Good Morning America and ABC News Now. For more about Leah, subscribe to her money-saving blog, follow her on Twitter @theleahingram, see what she's Pinning on Pinterest, and "Like" her page The Confident Spender on Facebook. Also, check out Leah's newest venture--Pawsome Doggie, selling dog-themed bakeware and cake pans, and unique gifts for dog lovers! Use code PARADE to save 10%.