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DO GOOD: This We'll Defend by Dr. Timothy Owczarzak

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Header: This We'll Defend
by Dr. Timothy Owczarzak

Before I was a practicing dentist, I was active duty in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina from June 1991 to June 1995. I was attached to the 257th Combat Dental Detachment that largely supported the 82nd Airborne, and as an EMT trained in combat triage and forensic dentistry, I was involved in several humanitarian endeavors around Operation Desert Storm. It was an experience that has shaped my life ever since—particularly as an Aspen Dental practice owner in the Pittsburgh area.

One thing I quickly realized after returning to civilian life was how large of an issue dental care is for returning veterans. That spurred me to join the Healthy Mouth Movement, a community initiative in which Aspen Dental doctors volunteer time to provide free care to those in need. Throughout 2015 and 2016 the focus has been the U.S. veteran community.

Last year I participated in Aspen Dental's National Day of Service, in which 300 offices across the country, including mine, opened on a Saturday to give free dental care to veterans. I saw more than 20 patients that day, and did everything from simple cleanings to total mouth rehabilitation. Many patients required days, weeks and sometimes months of continued treatment.

One case in particular was a Vietnam veteran whose daughter was getting married in a few months. He had severe periodontal disease and wanted to have a handsome smile for his daughter's wedding—a dream he thought he had no chance of realizing. We took impressions that day, then removed all the infected teeth and gave him a beautiful smile the next week. After the wedding, he showed us photos of him smiling with his family and we received hugs from his wife and daughter. There's no bigger reward!

My experience throughout the Day of Service was incredibly gratifying. As a veteran, I enjoyed not only helping fellow soldiers but also talking to them and remembering shared experiences.

The Healthy Mouth Movement helped more than 4,000 veterans across the country receive $2.8 million in free dental care in 2015 alone. I have the ability to offer dental care to our underserved veteran community, as well as a platform through the Healthy Mouth Movement to give back to my band of brothers and sisters.

We have an extensive veteran support system in the United States, but it's clear that dental care, particularly for those who are homeless, shouldn't slip through the cracks. Regular dental visits can help a patient return to good oral health, and also influence employment opportunities, self-confidence and self-esteem, and the desire to integrate into communities.

It's so important for dentists to give back to the less fortunate. Humanitarianism is crucial in creating a level playing field for all and bringing many the health care that all Americans deserve.

Doctors, by definition, serve the health needs of the communities in which they live and the world abroad. Dentists must lead by example and treat everyone to the best of their abilities despite the personal, financial or emotional cost—especially for veterans. How could we do any less for them?



Dr. Timothy Owczarzak Timothy Owczarzak is the owner of two Aspen Dental practices in the Pittsburgh area. Before becoming a professional dentist, he served in the U.S. Army from 1991 to 1995. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.



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