Jacob, an Air Force veteran, was selected by Dr. Logan Curtis of Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to be their first Smiles For Soldiers program recipient. The Smiles For Soldiers program offers local veterans and active-duty soldiers who need critical dental treatment the opportunity to apply to receive a free full-arch restoration treatment, a procedure that is typically worth $50,000.
The father of 10, who lives in Carthage, spent 15 years in the Air Force and was deployed for 1,000 days in Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning home, Jacob suffered from depression, which caused him to neglect his oral health. His poor oral health took a toll on his confidence, and he experienced homelessness until he finally took control of his life and found a good job. When asked how a new smile would change his life, Jacob said, “A new smile would give me the confidence I need, and I’d be able to smile with my family in photos.”
“I’m excited to watch Jacob transform throughout this process,” Dr. Curtis said. “After serving time in the military myself, I understand the toll it takes on a person emotionally and physically. I am honored to give this war hero a new, healthy smile.”
Dr. Logan Curtis of Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is partnering with Dr. Peter Virga and Dr. Joe Girardi from Watertown Dental Health Group, BonaDent Dental Laboratories, and BioHorizons TeethXpress to give Jacob the smile he deserves.
Follow his treatment journey on our Facebook page.
