SMILES FOR VETERANS 
"Veterans do NOT have a dental health benefit unless they were a POW or its related to service injury.  We became aware of the impact, especially on low-income veterans.  In 2016, our club spearheaded this collaboration between funding sources and Langley Health Services dental department to provide low income veterans in Sumter, Marion & Citrus Fl Counties.  Veterans in these 3 counties have access to basic dental services at Langley HS locations for $5 co-pay. Under very limited circumstances this collaboration has provided grants for more complex needs."   Jim Bodenner, Chair
"The Smiles for Veterans program has uncovered the need for dentures.  Without regular dental czre, extractions become the solution.  Multiple extractions are common and there was no ability for these veterans to obtain dentures UNTIL NOW.." Dusty Rhodes, retired Navy & Rotarian
"We are excited to let our donors know that for the next $15,000 donated a 1:1 match will happen.  If we reach that goal, then we have $30,000 for the new denture program and one low income veteran each month will have their smile restored!"  Kat Sizemore, retired Air Force & Rotarian
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Meeting with LHS Paul Quinn and Dental Director, Dr. Edward Pirie
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8/20/21 Dusty receives $1000 donation from Military Officers Assoc of America Villages Chapter.
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Jan 9, 2021 President Gay Ratcliff-Seamens along with Rotarians Jim Bodenner, Gay Davidson, Karl Keri, Dusty Rhodes, Kat Sizemore presented check for $7.000 to Langley Health Services Vcki Wynns COO and Paul Quinn for the expansion of the Smiles for Veterans dental program which now offers dentures
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7/17/20 Rotary Club of The Villages Evening presented another $1000 to the Smiles for Veteran Dental Program through Langley Health Services.

Funding Donor Organizations

  1. The Rotary Club of The Villages-Evening (Rotary) has provided $1000 in initial funding to initiate and support the Smiles for Veterans program.  Rotary volunteers helped bring together this community collaboration and volunteers have helped tell the Smiles for Veterans story to veterans in our community.  The club also provided $5,000 toward the purchase of a mobile dental bus for low income family dentistry, including veterans.  
  2. Sunshine State Veterans Club (SSVF) is a non-profit organization recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 organization.  SSVF has funded $10,000 into the Smiles for Veterans fund held by LHS in a designated account.
  3. Summer Glen Veterans Club (Summer Glen) is a  non-profit organization recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 organization.  Summer Glen has funded $2000 in the Smiles for Veterans fund held by LHS in a designated account.​

Smiles for Veterans' Dental Grant Report
2018 = 22 Grants
2019 = 67 Grants  
​2020 = 43 Grants* 
2021 see latest report

*Please note 2020 dental services were severely limited for a few months because of the pandemic.

Information 'Smiles for Veterans' Dental Grant