UConn dental participates in statewide Stand Down veterans event
UConn School of Dental Medicine students participate in the 2026 Connnecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Stand Down event. (Marley Esch photo)
Access to oral healthcare can be a significant hurdle for many veterans. Most veterans currently enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system are ineligible for VA dental benefits because they do not have service-connected dental issues. To help address this issue, students in the School of Dental Medicine recently provided free oral health screenings and education to nearly 250 veterans in Connecticut during a statewide event.
The students in the Military Interest Group participated in the 2026 Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Stand Down event-a daylong event that connects Connecticut veterans with essential services and programs offered by federal, state, and local agencies, organizations, and nonprofits. Over 25 students and faculty were stationed at five locations: Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Norwich, and Stamford.
This is the third year that the School of Dental Medicine has participated in the event. The students, alongside faculty, perform oral health screenings, give out educational resources, and provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.
"Personally, I can say that having done this event for three years in a row, it has been one of my best volunteer experiences. It really is a meaningful experience to see the people that sacrificed so much get so many necessary types of assistance in one place," said Marley Esch, a third-year dental student.
Second-year student Jack Donlon noted that each location had about 50 veterans stop by for either screenings or to receive dental resources and oral health information. The dental school's booth was "definitely one of the busiest booths."
"It seemed the veterans were happy to gather in one place and share stories and memories. They were all very friendly, polite, and in high spirits," Donlon said.
Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves spoke with the students at the Danbury location, and expressed gratitude for the students' involvement.
"We are so excited that the UConn School of Dental Medicine is here helping dozens of veterans," said Alves. "We are so grateful for the services they provide. There are veterans who come here and don't even realize these services exist for them. You can imagine the cost savings, but also what it does for overall health. I look forward to the students coming back next year- excited to be here and serve those who served us."
For students, the opportunity to attend Stand Down is an invaluable learning experience.
"Participating in the Veterans Stand Down Event gives our UConn dental students a meaningful opportunity to serve directly in the community," said Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students. "Through oral health screenings, resources, and education, students gain direct insight into the unique oral health needs of our veteran population while providing care and support to those who have made significant sacrifices for our country. These experiences also allow UConn dental students to represent the School of Dental Medicine and extend its mission of service and community engagement across the state in these various venues."
