Arlington Heights dental practice devotes day to veterans

In an effort to do more for Veterans Day than just a passive observance, Arlington Heights dentist Joe Favia and his staff at Favia Family Dental set aside an entire day to provide extensive dental services to six local military veterans.

In total, Favia estimates that his practice completed more than $80,000 in comprehensive dental work that day, all at no charge to the recipients.

Favia said the event required nearly a half-year of planning to pull together. To start the process, Favia reached out to local veterans' organizations to help identify retired military personnel who may be in need.

One of those calls went to Salute, Inc., the Palatine-based nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans and their families.

"We welcomed Dr. Favia's offer of assistance and were able to put him in touch with a local veteran who was in need of extensive dental work," said Salute Executive Director Mary Beth Beiersdorf.

"Dr. Favia's office provided six dental implants and further dental work to give the veteran an incredible, new smile, and, frankly, a new outlook on life."

Once connections were made, Favia Family Dental met with the veterans, conducted exams and did preliminary work to prepare for the complex procedures that would take place.

"There are three reasons that people like these wonderful heroes avoid dental work - fear, time and money," said Favia, who has been in practice for more than two decades.

"We made sure we eliminated all three concerns."

Favia said it was a complete team effort throughout the entire process, including the long day of work.

"They were all nervous at the start of the process, but we saw a wonderful mix of tears and smiles when we were done. It was our privilege to give back to these men and women who served our country, going back to the Korean conflict."

Beiersdorf is grateful to Dr. Favia and his staff for their efforts.

"At Salute, we have helped over 12,000 military veterans and their families bridge gaps as they transition to civilian life. It is through the support of people like Dr. Favia and his staff that we can continue our mission in so many ways."

Favia Family Dental is at 300 E. Northwest Hwy., Arlington Heights.

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