PHOENIX, March, 2017 – Brighter Way Institute has received a $250,000 award from The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation to provide comprehensive dental care to Veterans at the Brighter Way Dental Center. The Dental Center is the organization’s main clinic for adults and offers comprehensive oral healthcare to homeless individuals as well as underinsured and uninsured adults. Care for Veterans is provided at no-cost while services for other patients are significantly reduced.
The U.S. Veterans Administration traditionally covers Veterans’ medical needs, but dental and oral healthcare is only offered for oral injuries sustained during military service or for oral/dental disease that complicates a medical condition under treatment.
“Diane and Bruce Halle have invested in Veterans in Arizona. Unfortunately, veterans are more likely to be homeless than the general population – they comprise approximately 10 percent of our homeless population," said Dr. Kris Volcheck, Brighter Way Dental Institute CEO and founder. "Basic oral health care is one of the greatest unmet needs of our homeless veterans. Even if basic care were available, it still would be woefully lacking in its ability to treat those veterans who are often missing all of their teeth. Because they have no teeth and no smile, their health is poor and so is their self-esteem. Brighter Way is honored to provide comprehensive care to men and women who have served our nation. Simply put, restoring these patients' health and self-esteem is the very best possible care available. And these veterans should be getting our very best efforts.”
The grant from the Foundation complements a recent, innovative program that is also geared towards restoring Veterans’ oral health. Brighter Way Institute has partnered with Affordable Dentures & Implants® to deliver free dental implant, oral surgery and prosthetic treatment to hundreds of U.S. veterans and homeless individuals. About 400 volunteers, including affiliated practice owners, dental technicians and other auxiliary staff members, will travel from throughout the United States to Phoenix for six pro bono sessions in 2017. Dr. Volcheck will oversee clinical care to Brighter Way patients.
“Brighter Way meets a real and pressing need for veterans and others in our community. We appreciate this opportunity to partner with Brighter Way and support its work to better the lives of those who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice,” said Diane Halle, president of The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation.
About Brighter Way Institute
The Brighter Way Institute comprises three dental programs that were previously under the auspices of Central Arizona Shelter Services. Brighter Way Dental Center, the Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry at Murphy, and the Canyon State Academy Dental Center now comprise Brighter Way Institute’s programs. Brighter Way Institute offers dental homes to uninsured and underinsured men, women, and children, delivering comprehensive dental care.
Media Contact
Dr. Kris Volcheck
Brighter Way Institute
%20(1).png)
