Bilirakis & Lee Lead 10th Annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles Event - Offering Free Dental Care to Veterans as New Access Pilot Program Moves Forward

Pasco County, FL - U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee are once again teaming up with Pasco-Hernando State College and the Pasco Dental Association to host their annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event. This community-driven initiative will provide urgent dental care-at no cost-to 100 military Veterans experiencing untreated dental pain and infection. Local dentists have generously volunteered their time and expertise to support this effort. Modern, high-tech dental care will be utilized at the event, featuring the use of digital scanners and 3D printed restorations. Veterans in need of dental services are encouraged to contact Congressman Bilirakis's office at 727-232-2921 to register. Appointments will be scheduled on afirst-come, first-served basis.

Dental services provided during the event will include:

• Professional cleanings
• Tooth extractions
• Dental fillings
• Root Canal Therapy
• Dental crowns

"Oral health is essential to overall wellness, yet most Veterans are not eligible for dental benefits through the VA unless they are 100% disabled or have a service-connected dental injury," said Congressman Bilirakis. "Our Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country-they deserve access to high-quality healthcare, including dental care."

Recognizing this critical gap, Congressman Bilirakis has long advocated for expanded access to dental care for Veterans. Earlier this year, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Actwas signed into law. The legislation includes a key provision from Bilirakis's VETCARE Act, establishing a pilot program to provide dental care to Veterans with chronic health conditions currently being treated by the VA. Currently, only about 9% of Veterans qualify for VA dental benefits. Studies show that untreated dental issues can worsen chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, leading to increased healthcare costs. The new pilot program aims to demonstrate the long-term cost savings and health benefits of preventive dental care for Veterans."This pilot program is a vital first step toward improving access to dental care for all Veterans and could ultimately reduce healthcare costs for the VA system as a whole," Bilirakis added. "While we work toward broader reform, I'm incredibly grateful to the Pasco Dental Association for stepping up now to provide critical care to our local heroes. Their generosity is truly inspiring."

"It is always an honor to join Congressman Bilirakis and our community partners for this event,said Representative Lee. "Our Veterans have given so much to our nation, and ensuring they have access to high-quality dental care is a meaningful way to honor their service. I'm encouraged by the new pilot program expanding dental benefits through the VA, and I'm grateful to the local dentists and volunteers whose generosity is making a real difference for our Veterans."

"PHSC is proud to once again partner in the Stars, Stripes, and Smiles initiative, which continues to support the health of our veterans," said Eric Hall, Ed.D., PHSC president. "Our dental faculty and dental hygiene students are honored to volunteer their skills alongside local dentists to give back to those who have given so much for our country."

Dr. Zack Kalarickal of the Pasco Dental Association emphasized the importance of the initiative,"These heroes deserve a healthcare system that meets their full range of needs-including oral health. Until that day comes, it is our professional privilege to serve those who have served us."

For more information or to schedule an appointment, Veterans should call Congressman Bilirakis's office at 727-232-2921. To learn more about this annual collaborative partnership, click here.