Through recent outreach, a new philanthropic endowment and discounted care, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is creating more opportunities for Bay Area military veterans to receive oral healthcare services at its San Francisco clinic.
 

Veterans Day Health Outreach Event

On Monday, November 11, 2024, the Dugoni School organized a special community health event offering free dental, oral cancer, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, along with other services at its campus in downtown San Francisco. Nearly 45 veterans and family members participated in the event, which also offered refreshments, community health resources and health gift bags.

Faculty members from University of the Pacific’s Department of Audiology also provided attendees with hearing screenings and consultations at the San Francisco Campus’s Hearing and Balance Center.
 

Veterans appreciated the same-day service of having radiographs (x-rays) taken and the education about oral-systemic connection for wellness. Some attendees made appointments to explore ongoing care provided at the clinics.

For veteran Brian Bigon, it was his first dental visit in two years.

“I was in the Navy. I was on nuclear submarines,” he said. “I don’t need to be thanked for my service, but it’s nice to be honored this way.”

In reflecting on the efforts of the volunteers, Army veteran John Sapp said, “I want to thank them…for allowing us to come and help us live a better life.”

Students from the dental school’s Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE) program and the Military Club volunteered at the event, along with faculty and staff from clinic operations and administration.

“As someone who grew up in a military family and with a strong commitment to community service, organizing this Veterans Day event was a deeply personal mission for me,” said ENS Isabella Razmi, DDS ’26, co-president of SCOPE.

“My mom, a Navy dentist, joined the service to help support her through school after immigrating from Iran with nothing, and through her, I saw firsthand the importance of supporting those who serve,” she said. “Now, as I prepare to join the Navy as a dentist myself, it’s even more meaningful to give back to a community that has given my family and I so much, especially when so many veterans face significant challenges in accessing dental care. This event would not have been possible without the amazing support of our student, faculty, and staff volunteers, whose dedication made this event a success. It’s an honor to be part of an effort that directly supports our veterans in ways that can truly improve their quality of life.”

New Endowment Supports Care

Thanks to the generosity of two members of the community, a new endowment will provide additional funding to support oral healthcare for veterans.

Ralph Yanello and wife Teresa Yanello recently established the Ralph & Teresa Yanello Endowment for Veteran Support. Their $50,000 endowment to support care for underserved veterans will be matched 1:1 by University of the Pacific’s Powell Match program, resulting in a $100,000 endowment in total.

Funds generated by the endowment will be allocated to veterans in need who require additional resources to complete their treatment.

“Every veteran who has served our country deserves access to the healthcare they need, and establishing this endowment was a way for Teresa and me to show our gratitude and support those who have served our country,” said Ralph Yanello, himself a proud veteran of the Marine Corps.

Other members of the community interested in making a philanthropic gift to support patient care are invited to contact Eric Dumbleton, associate dean of development, at edumbleton@pacific.edu or 415.929.6422 to learn more.

Discounted Care for Veterans

The Dugoni School of Dentistry is offering a 20% discount on dental care to military veterans with no dental insurance. To learn about how to become a patient, visit the San Francisco Main Clinic website or call 415.929.6501.