The office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis and the West Pasco Dental Association are delighted to announce the first ever Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event, which took place at Pasco Hernando State College on October 9, 2015, from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

As part of this exciting initiative, dentists within the community volunteered to provide urgent dental care to 75 military Veterans living in Pasco County who have been suffering with untreated dental pain and infection- all at no cost to Veterans. Oral health is an integral part of total health, and unfortunately, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service connected injury impacting their oral health.

“Our Veterans have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom and they deserve access to high quality health care. I am in the process of developing legislation that will expand Veterans’ access to dental care, however, I am very grateful for the generosity of the dentists from the West Pasco Dental Association who are not waiting for a change in law. They are ensuring that our heroes receive immediate attention and I am honored to help organize this important event,” stated Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

Patients were pre-selected through a variety of service organizations that work closely among the Veterans community to ensure that those with the highest need were prioritized. Services offered through this special event will include: professional dental cleanings, root canal therapy, tooth extractions and dental fillings. “These heroes deserve a system of care to ensure their oral health care needs are met. Until that can become a reality, it is our professional privilege to serve this special segment of our community,” said Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal of the West Pasco Dental Association.

Thank you to the West Pasco Dental Association, the office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis, and PHSC Dental Hygiene / Assisting Schools along with all of our sponsors - DigitalBrainz, Thread Art, Hungry Harry's BBQ, Henry Schein Cares Foundation, United Way Pasco, More Health, Inc. - for helping us provide $30,000 worth of dental procedures to military veterans at no cost to the veterans yesterday! Thanks to Rob Kellog of Thread Art for donating t-shirts for Stars, Stripes, and Smiles - Dental Care for 75 Military Veterans at no charge to the Veteran.