Volunteers assemble 500 kits during Give Veterans A Smile Pack and Give Back
Event took place during ADA 2026 Scientific Session in Indianapolis
Leaders from the American Dental Association and ADA Foundation gathered with other Scientific Session attendees Oct. 8 to pack 500 health and comfort kits for underserved veterans.
Volunteers added toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and oral health educational materials to the kits during the ADA Foundation Give Veterans A Smile Pack and Give Back event at the ADA 2026 Scientific Session in Indianapolis. The kits also included items such as socks, deodorant and gift cards.
The ADA Foundation hosted the Pack and Give Back in partnership with the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, which will distribute the kits to veterans in November. Colgate and Henry Schein sponsored the event.
Ret. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joseph VanFonda, CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, presented ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D.; ADA President-elect Thomas Paumier, D.D.S.; ADA Executive Director Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D.; and ADA Foundation Chair Rita Cammarata, D.D.S., with a plaque to thank the ADA and the ADA Foundation for helping to care for veterans through the event.
“This initiative is more than just an act of kindness; it is a testament to our commitment to supporting our veterans’ well-being,” Dr. Cammarata said. “It’s a reminder that we are all a part of a larger community that values and honors the sacrifices made by our veterans.”
Give Veterans A Smile encourages dentists to provide pro bono oral healthcare to underserved veterans and assist them in finding a dental home. For more information about the ADA Foundation and Give Veterans A Smile, visit adafoundation.org.
The ADA Foundation is also hosting a virtual fundraising auction from 8 a.m. EDT Oct. 8 until noon EDT Oct. 10. Items will be on display Oct. 8 and 9 in the exhibit hall before moving near ADA House of Delegates registration Oct. 9 and 10. They include a seven-night stay at a vacation home in Hawaii, Chicago Bears tickets, limited edition dental lithographs by artist and Vietnam veteran Michael Gonzales, a guided Colorado fly-fishing excursion, sports memorabilia and more.
