In Syracuse, New York, Dr. Joan Laura, owner and president of Eastwood Dental Office, is keeping a family tradition alive by giving back to the veteran community. For the past 15 years she has offered each veteran who visits her practice one free dental service per year – ranging from routine cleanings to fillings and even tooth extractions.
Honoring a Korean War legacy
Dr. Laura’s commitment stems from her father’s own service. He was a proud Korean War veteran who founded the very practice she now runs. After his passing, she took over the office and vowed to continue his spirit of service by supporting those who have served the nation.
“My father was a very proud Korean War veteran,” Laura said. “I took over my dad’s practice. He would’ve been right here with me taking care of those vets.”
Impact on the veteran community
Each year the annual event draws about 35 veterans, and over the 15‑year span the practice estimates it has provided free dental care to nearly 500 veterans. For many of these men and women, the assistance fills a critical gap. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, roughly 75 % of veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health‑care system – about 7.6 million people – are not eligible for VA dental benefits. Dental coverage is not automatically granted; eligibility depends on service‑connected disabilities or former prisoner‑of‑war status.
By offering a no‑cost service, Dr. Laura’s office gives veterans who fall outside those eligibility criteria a chance to receive essential oral health treatment without the financial burden.
How veterans can participate
Veterans interested in taking advantage of the free service are encouraged to contact Eastwood Dental Office directly. The practice will schedule appointments and ensure each participant receives the promised service.
Dr. Laura hopes the tradition will continue for generations, reinforcing the bond between her family’s dental practice and the men and women who defended the country. “It’s my way of saying thank you,” she added, “and of keeping my father’s legacy alive in the community he loved.”
Broader context
Access to dental care remains a persistent challenge for many veterans nationwide. While the VA provides comprehensive health services, dental care often falls through the cracks, leaving veterans to seek private options or go without treatment. Community‑based initiatives like Dr. Laura’s free‑service day demonstrate how local professionals can step in to address those gaps, embodying the values of service, family, and faith that many in the Syracuse area hold dear.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
