Roseville oral surgery practice relaunches $50K 'Smiles for Veterans' program

A Roseville oral and dental implant surgery office is relaunching its annual "Smiles for Veterans" program, which offers one local veteran a complimentary $50,000 smile restoration. The procedure can offer things like replacing missing or damaged teeth with a natural-looking new set - a potentially life-changing impact on someone's life who has been struggling with chronic pain. Placer Oral & Dental Implant Surgery offers this program to veterans in the greater Sacramento area who are struggling with severe dental issues and can't afford treatment. In 2024, Rocklin Army veteran Nick Bonge was the lucky recipient; he received a full-arch restoration, replacing his missing and damaged teeth with permanent implants that look and feel like his natural teeth. For Bonge, receiving this dental work truly was life-changing; he had been missing a dozen teeth, with many others severely damaged. Bonge said his daily life was painful, yet he didn't qualify for VA dental benefits. "Trying to live a comfortable life with multiple disabilities is one of the most challenging things I have ever encountered," said Bonge. "I go through multiple obstacles daily — this new smile gives me hope and the ability to live with more confidence." Dr. Daniel Martin practices at Placer Oral & Dental Implant Surgery and said sadly, Bonge's story is not unique; there is a significant gap in dental care for veterans — at least 7.6 million veterans don't qualify for VA benefits for missing or damaged teeth. Doctors at the Roseville oral surgery office said broken, decayed or missing teeth affect much more than appearance — they can impact overall health and mental wellbeing, and they said veterans are 60 percent more likely to experience tooth decay. How to apply: Complete the online application form, upload photos of your current smile and teeth, and submit by Oct. 24 at placeromfs.com/veterans. This is the fifth year the Roseville oral surgery practice has launched this Smiles for Veterans program.