Give a Smile to a Vet: A Community Intervention
Order ID 53563633773 Type Essay Writer Level Masters Style APA Sources/References 4 Perfect Number of Pages to Order 5-10 Pages Description/Paper Instructions
Give a Smile to a Vet: A Community Intervention
One of the many problems faced by homeless veterans is access to health care, and access to dental care is particularly challenging. It is difficult to obtain health care when one does not have an address or identification, and most homeless veterans have neither.
The result is they go without needed health care, which leads to harmful physical and psychological consequences. Further, even if they are able to obtain health care, homeless veterans usually have no place to store medication or even personal items such as a toothbrush.
Compounding the problem, many homeless veterans have mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The U.S. Veterans’ Initiative (U.S. Vets) is the largest nonprofit organization in the nation that serves homeless and at-risk veterans.
U.S. Vets provides transitional housing, job training, mental health services, permanent housing to disabled veterans, and crisis care to homeless veterans. The goal of U.S. Vets is to return veterans to independent living in a home of their own.
While overseeing a community health nursing clinical group with the veterans housed at U.S. Vets-Houston and other homeless veterans served through the drop-in center, it was observed that many veterans were reporting dental pain.
The community health students and faculty saw several who had facial swelling and fever from dental infections or missing or decaying teeth. Many veterans also spoke of difficulty finding employment due to the impact of poor health and oral hygiene.
As the nursing students worked with the veterans, it become clear they had no access to dental care and therefore had neglected their oral health for years. Most sources for dental care and services are based on income and require that the patient or insurance make payment.
But many of the veterans served by U.S. Vets had very little money and no income, putting even low-cost dental care out of reach. Lack of transportation was another barrier to care faced by this population, as most homeless veterans do not have cars or transportation to clinic appointments.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the situation and validation of the needs, community-based faculty from UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston were approached and told of the plight of these veterans.
Many veterans are among the faculty, staff, and students of both the School of Dentistry and the School of Nursing, and there was considerable excitement about serving their fellow veterans.
After a number of planning meetings, faculty from the nursing and dental schools developed a collaborative intervention called “Give a Vet a Smile” to provide free dental care for homeless veterans.
For the program, the faculty, students, and residents of UTHealth School of Dentistry provided dental care such as cleaning, x-rays, extractions, and other emergent care.
Nursing students publicized the event at several community agencies that serve homeless veterans and completed health histories on those who chose to participate. Nursing students also solicited donations from local businesses to provide a light breakfast for the volunteers on Give a Vet a Smile Day, plus lunch for the volunteers and patients.
Many veterans do not have Medicare or Medicaid and were not enrolled for care at the local VHA, so a source for medications was needed. A local pharmacist agreed to donate medications for the veterans so that they could get their prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication filled free of charge. The veterans were given cards to remind them of the date for their appointments.
Transportation to and from the School of Dentistry was set up for the day of the event, and the veterans arrived early in the morning. Each was assessed by the dental staff for needed care, and plans of care were developed.
As the process unfolded, the veterans received their requisite procedures and were scheduled for appointments for follow-up if needed.
Though the first year of Give a Vet a Smile was implemented with no donor funds—just in-kind donations such as food and dental supplies—39 veterans received dental care worth more than $18,000. The program is now in its third year, and community support is building.
In year two a local private foundation donated $2000, and in year three, a local bank donated $5000 to finance the cost of the event and to provide follow-up care such as root canals, dentures, and other complex procedures.
In the third year of the event, 70 veterans received care worth more than $36,000, with several veterans receiving follow-up care.
It is gratifying for the participating professionals and volunteers to see veterans who have been helped by “Give a Vet a Smile.” One veteran now has dentures and is enjoying being able to eat again.
Another veteran received care that might have been lifesaving, as he had a dental infection so severe that he required several extractions and long-term antibiotics.
Finally, enhanced, directed outreach to the homeless veteran community has resulted in a more trusting relationship with the veterans—encouraging and enabling them to access needed services.
Planning is under way for year four of Give a Vet a Smile.
Welcome banner.
Check in for veterans
Initial intake and screening by UTHealth faculty
Initial health assessment by nursing students
An Army Veteran and US Vets employee receives care. Initial oral assessment by a hygienist
Health assessment and vital signs by nursing students
Many of the dental professionals caring for the veterans are veterans as well. They are delighted to care for other vets.
Post care instructions
A veteran nursing student – a US Marine, welcomes fellow veterans to the event.
RUBRIC
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