The hum of dental tools mixed with nervous laughter Friday, Nov. 7, inside Brady Dental Group, where dozens of veterans received free dental care through the clinic’s third annual Smiles for Freedom event.

“Quite a few of our veterans don’t qualify to have dental work done through the VA,” Gilbert said. “But that doesn’t mean they don’t need it. We saw a need that needed to be met, and we wanted to step up and serve those who’ve given so much to us.”

Work that starts months before Veterans Day

Gilbert said planning for Smiles for Freedom begins in September and October, when veterans are screened to determine their individual needs — from simple fillings to complete dentures.

“There’s a lot of front work that happens,” she said. “We figure out what dental work they need, whether it’s e

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