Hires Dental Care will excitedly host its 9th annual Stars, Stripes & Smiles event on Friday, May 11. The 501(c)(3) non-profit event offers free dental care to any area veteran. Since 2010, Stars, Stripes & Smiles has provided over 1,000 veterans with $191,000+ in free dental treatment.

The event is first come, first serve. Registration begins at 8am and the last patients will be seen at 3pm. Guests needing treatment are required to bring a military/VA card and photo I.D. Veterans may choose from a dental cleaning, filling, or extraction.

While veterans wait for treatment, there will be complimentary food, a deejay, raffle prizes, games, free haircuts, and informational booths offering veteran services, including free health screenings, employment assistance, mental health information, transportation assistance, and more.

“Because of the VA’s strict criteria for dental coverage, many veterans have limited or zero access to dental care,” explained Event Director Erica Emery. “Our goal during Stars, Stripes & Smiles is to alleviate any pain the patient might be experiencing, discuss additional dental treatment they may need, and help them find the care they need at a suitable cost.”

Because part of the event takes place in the parking lot of Hires Dental Care (3951 W. Sylvania Ave., across from the Franklin Park Mall), guests must use the parking lot at Hope United Methodist Church, 4069 W. Sylvania Ave., and take the free ProMedica shuttle to Hires Dental Care.