QUEENS, N.Y. - s4story -- The Plaza College Community Dental Clinic, in Forest Hills is offering free dental care to United States Military veterans and their immediate families throughout the month of November for its Veteran Recognition Month.

It's an unfortunate fact that most veterans do not qualify for dental benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs, and as a result many struggle to afford the necessary care to maintain oral health for themselves and their families.

Veteran Administration Hospitals only provide dental care (https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-heal...) to those who qualify as prisoners of war or are 100% disabled. This leaves a large majority of veterans with no affordable dental care.

Plaza College's Dental Hygiene Program is New York City's first fully accredited American Dental Association teaching program in over 27 years. Dental hygienist students work under a certified dentist to conduct a full oral cleaning, which constitutes the majority of a routine visit, along with x-rays, screenings for oral cancer, and scaling and polishing teeth. Students in the program, who are training for full-time careers as dental hygienists, treat children, adolescents and adults.

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According to the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475), lack of oral care can also lead to cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, pneumonia, diabetes and others serious illnesses. Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can lead to oral infections including tooth decay and gum disease.

"Maintaining oral health is vital to keeping your entire body healthy," said Professor Laura Sleeper, a licensed Dental Hygienist and the Director of the Plaza College Dental Hygiene Program. "At Plaza College, our dental hygiene students strive to make a difference by providing accessible healthcare to New Yorkers. We not only salute our veterans but also their good health."