BRISTOL, Tenn. – November 10, 2026 – Healing Hands Health welcomed 71 veterans from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to its annual Veterans' Dental Day, presented by Wellpoint, on Friday, October 30. The event brought together dental professionals, volunteers, and community partners to provide free dental care, health services, and resources in appreciation of local veterans and their service to our country.
Throughout the day, veterans received dental examinations, X-rays, fillings, and extractions, along with access to preventive health services and a Community Resource and Vendor Fair.
A Day of Service and Community Impact
Thirty-one professional volunteers contributed their time and expertise to provide much-needed dental care and other services.
2026 Veterans' Dental Day by the Numbers:
71 veterans received free dental care
71 dental examinations performed
60 panoramic X-rays completed
21 bitewing X-rays completed
28 periapical X-rays completed
21 fillings provided
83 extractions performed
31 professional volunteers participated
18 flu vaccinations administered by Walgreens
45 complimentary haircuts provided
23 community resource vendors participated
19 surveys completed through the ETSU Department of Psychology, with eligible participants ages 60 and older receiving $50 for their participation
"Veterans have given so much in service to our country, and Veterans' Dental Day is one small way we can express our gratitude," said Helen Scott, Executive Director of Healing Hands Health. "Through the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, dental professionals, and community partners, we're able to provide essential care while reminding our veterans that their service and sacrifices are deeply appreciated."
Community Partnerships Make Healing Possible
Healing Hands Health thanks Wellpoint, Presenting Sponsor; BAE Systems, Platinum Sponsor; and Loyal Order of Moose Washington County Lodge #1966 for their generous support of Veterans' Dental Day.
The event brought together volunteer dentists from the community, UT Health Sciences College of Dentistry students completing clinical rotations at Healing Hands Health, and residents from the UT Health Sciences College of Dentistry residency program in Kingsport. Healing Hands Health would also like to thank the many volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations whose contributions made the event possible.
For Dr. Mark Schlothauer, D.D.S., a veteran and Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry–Bristol at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Dentistry, the event was an opportunity to care for fellow veterans while mentoring the next generation of dentists.
"As a veteran and UT Health Sciences College of Dentistry preceptor, this event was especially meaningful because I could help fellow veterans while showing dental students the importance of using their skills to serve others," said Schlothauer. "Seeing private practice dentists from our community volunteer their time and expertise will hopefully inspire these students to give back in their own communities after graduation. It's also an opportunity for them to understand the very real barriers to dental care that many people, including veterans, face."
Continuing Care Beyond Veterans' Dental Day
Healing Hands Health provides medical, dental, behavioral health, vision, and supportive services year-round to eligible adults facing barriers to care.
For information about services and patient eligibility, visit www.healinghandshealth.org or call 423-652-0260.
About Healing Hands Health
Healing Hands Health is a nonprofit health care organization based in Bristol, Tennessee, providing affordable, community-supported medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, medication assistance, and supportive services to individuals who are underserved in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Its mission is to glorify Christ by providing quality, community-supported, comprehensive care to individuals who are underserved in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.