ECU Smiles for Veterans on-campus event provides care for 30 veterans
Navy veteran Fred Witchet smiles during a break in his procedure during the Nov. 11 ECU Smiles for Veterans event in Ross Hall. (Photo by Spaine Stephens)
Coast Guard veteran Charles Bryant settled into his seat in the dentist office waiting room, surveying the stream of fellow veterans as they walked through the door.
Veterans Day 2025 was special for this group, who received oral health care at no cost to them during the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine’s second ECU Smiles for Veterans event in Ross Hall, the school’s campus facility.
At the end of the day, 30 veterans had received more than $13,000 worth of care, thanks to the support of donors and organizations that wanted to ensure these special patients received the procedures they needed to keep their smiles bright and healthy.
“It means a whole lot,” said Bryant, of New Bern.
Bryant’s wife, Verleria, said the event meant a lot to her as well.
“I’m proud that the school is offering this event for these veterans,” she said. “It is a blessing.”
Fourth-year students, residents, faculty and staff teamed up the school’s first-floor service learning center to provide care, including procedures from exams and cleanings to extractions, root canals and even oral surgery and a complete crown.
For many of the faculty dentists, the event is a chance, as veterans themselves, to care for those with whom they share an immeasurable bond. Dr. Donald Worm, clinical associate professor and assistant director of the advanced education in general dentistry residency program, is also a decorated Navy veteran.
“A lot of our veterans are in situations where they can’t afford dental care, and so this is a great opportunity for them to come in, get examined and get seen,” Worm told local news station WITN. “Several of them have not been seen in years.”
Students also counted themselves fortunate to be able to provide care on Veterans Day.
Fourth-year student Haley Debnam shares a laugh with Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, during the ECU Smiles for Veterans event in Ross Hall Nov. 11. (Photo by Spaine Stephens)
“To be able to serve the veteran population is extremely fulfilling to me; it reminds me of those who have poured into me to get me to where I am today,” said fourth-year student Baldwin Bell. “My dad, being a veteran, has given me knowledge and skills I use daily to navigate general life and dentistry. At the ECU School of Dental Medicine, the veteran leadership I have gotten from faculty like Dr. Tempel, Dr. Boushell, Dr. Mark, Dr. Manga and so many others has shaped me as a clinician and the way I approach providing care.
Special guests visited Ross Hall during the event, including Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly, Mayor Pro Tem Monica Daniels, N.C. Rep. Tim Reeder and Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Mallette talked with faculty and school leaders about the state’s oral health care outlook and talked in-depth with students about their dental school journeys, goals after graduation and plans to practice in North Carolina.
“Having the opportunity to educate Secretary Mallette on the importance of dental care was truly meaningful,” said fourth-year student Lindsey Clevenger. “We are eager to do even more for our veterans, and I believe our strong teamwork will guide us toward that goal. Secretary Mallette’s generosity in spending her time at the ECU School of Dental Medicine to observe how we serve and care for our veterans was deeply appreciated.”
The veterans themselves also voiced gratitude for the event as a whole. Navy veteran Fred Witchet of Blounts Creek attended the event to get an exam and an assessment of previous care he received at the school several years ago.
“I think it’s really fine because I’ve been around quite a few veterans who need this care,” he said. “I really think it’s wonderful that they are doing this. It’s really fantastic that they are giving something back; veterans are short-changed on a lot of things.”
U.S. Army veteran Richard Spruill of Greenville, a retired ECU geology professor, recognized fourth-year student Cara Mills from years before when she was a dental assistant in a practice where he received care. Spruill said it was nice to cross paths will Mills again, see her success and receive care as part of Veterans Day.
“It’s been a great experience so far,” Spruill said. “It’s always been great to know that we have this dental school, and they’re turning out really high-quality people.”
Fourth-year student Baldwin Bell puts a patient at ease during the second annual Ross Hall ECU Smiles for Veterans event on Nov. 11. (Photo by Spaine Stephens)
The ECU Smiles for Veterans initiative began in 2018 at the school’s community service learning center (CSLC) in Sylva. Since then, the event has expanded to Ross Hall and has either occurred or is scheduled at all eight CSLCs across the state. The event has provided close to a quarter million dollars worth of care for more than 500 veterans. The program began in partnership with the Veteran Smiles Foundation and local veterans’ organizations and has expanded to be sponsored by other supporters and groups over the years.
Fourth-year student Brooklynn Schlarb said the event not only provided oral health care for veterans but also emphasized the challenges that special populations face in accessing dental care.
“The program was an outstanding opportunity to cultivate patriotism in a manner uniquely tailored to our profession,” she said. “The common assumption that veterans receive comprehensive medical and dental benefits is, in fact, often misunderstood. This highlights the importance of our program, where being able to dedicate my skills to these kind-hearted and courageous individuals has evoked enduring emotions and inspired me to participate in similar outreach programs in the future.”