HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Reimels Dentistry helped 92 veterans on Friday, November 9, providing roughly $72,000 in services free of charge to those who have served in the Armed Services.
Over the past four years, Reimels' group of volunteers has given about $400,000 in care. Several of the dentists that served veterans Friday are veterans themselves.
"A lot of the veterans are underserved ... trouble getting into the VA, and not so great coverage and things like that, so a lot of them don't have insurance to begin with," said dentist Chad Paterra. "They forgo seeking care for years, and years and years."
According to Paterra, the veterans are receiving extractions, cleanings and other procedures.
"We want to help those who have helped us and served our country," Paterra said.
For Navy veteran Aaron McKellar, the help has been needed for years. McKellar said several teeth have been giving him severe pain and have been making it hard to eat and sleep.
"It's really awesome. I haven't been to the Dentist in a while," McKellar said. "They're going to take a few out, so I won't enjoy my dinner tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy some dinner pretty soon and I'll be coming on a regular basis now."
Reimels Dentistry, located in Huntersville, hopes to also put on a spring event to help deal with the needs of veterans in the Charlotte area.
