Smiles for Freedom will hold its 10th Anniversary Event on Friday, May 16, at Sala Family Dentistry, providing free dental services to local veterans.
The event continues the organization’s mission to honor those who have served by offering essential dental care at no cost.
The 10th Annual Smiles for Freedom Event will take place at Sala Family Dentistry, located at 4875 Summit Ridge Drive, Reno, NV.
The day will begin with a flag-raising ceremony and performance of the National Anthem at 7:30 a.m., which is open to the public.
Dental services will be provided by appointment only, starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. and ending around 3:00 p.m.
The nonprofit initiative began in 2015 at Sala Family Dentistry in Reno, founded by Registered Dental Hygienist Kandice Simpkins.
It has since expanded nationwide, with dental offices in 16 states participating.
Collectively, these efforts have resulted in more than $3.6 million in donated dental care services for veterans.
Sala Family Dentistry has contributed over $990,000 in free dental care through Smiles for Freedom events since its inception and expects to surpass the $1 million milestone during the 10th anniversary event.
“We are incredibly honored to support our veterans in this way,” said the team at Sala Family Dentistry. “Reaching this milestone is not just about numbers, it’s about the lives impacted and the gratitude we feel toward those who’ve served.”
The event is supported by local organizations including Nevada Athletics, Renown Health, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 989.
Smiles for Freedom was created in response to the fact that less than ten percent of veterans qualify for dental care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Smiles for Freedom says the program aims to help fill this gap by enabling dental offices to contribute based on their time, resources, and capabilities.
According to the organization, “This program is an opportunity to help fill that need! This non profit organization allows offices to be able to give back to those who have served and express gratitude within their own time, talents and capacities.”
For additional information, to schedule an appointment, or to make a donation to support the event, you can contact freedom@salafamilydentistry.com or visit smilesforfreedom.org.
