During her service in Cold War-era West Germany, Debora had access to some of the U.S. Army’s most sensitive information. Stationed in a vault in an underground bunker, she worked as a Top Secret Control Document Registry Clerk—a high-stakes role that required her to safeguard and transmit highly classified military correspondence.

Decades after protecting her country’s secrets, however, Debora found herself facing a much more personal battle: finding affordable dental care.

“I didn’t know of any programs, and I had been looking for quite some time,” said the 67-year-old retiree who receives a modest Social Security income. “Then, while riding a veterans’ shuttle bus to the VA Medical Center in East Orange, I overheard two gentlemen talking about this one.”

The program was Smiles for Our Heroes, Zufall Health’s long-running initiative that provides no-cost dental care to income-eligible veterans through a partnership with Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. Since enrolling, Debora has received cleanings, fillings, and a crown, and has recently begun treatment for a partial denture—care she says she went without for 12 years because of the cost.

Debora’s experience highlights a troubling reality shared by millions of veterans. While she receives medical coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), she is among the approximately 85% of VA-enrolled veterans who do not qualify for dental benefits. Because of this gap in coverage, veterans frequently delay essential dental treatment, leading to higher rates of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss compared to civilians.

Beyond financial barriers, Smiles for Our Heroes also addresses transportation challenges. For Debora, who does not have a car, traveling to Zufall would require a lengthy public transportation journey. Thanks to RWJBarnabas Health’s Uber Health program, Debora receives free private rides to and from her dental appointments.

While Debora still has a few visits before her partial denture is complete, she is looking forward to restoring her smile. Just as meaningful as the treatment, she says, is the respect she receives at Zufall.

“Everyone is very nice, my dentist was pleasant, and I was treated without judgment.”

Debora’s journey brings her military service full circle. Decades after she stood guard for her country, a grateful community is now standing guard for her health.

Above: Smiles for Our Heroes expands access to dental care for veteran patients like Debora, pictured here during her 1979 promotion to E5 Specialist 5/Sergeant at Fort Stewart in Stuttgart, Germany.