A national nonprofit organization is working to restore confidence and dignity to veterans living with service-related disabilities by providing free orthodontic treatment through a growing network of volunteer specialists across the United States.
Embracing Our Warriors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2024, helps honorably discharged veterans whose dental conditions can cause embarrassment, limit social interaction, and affect professional opportunities. The program’s mission is not cosmetic, organizers say, but focused on rebuilding self-esteem and helping veterans move forward with the confidence to smile.
The organization partners with more than 130 volunteer orthodontists nationwide who donate their time and expertise to provide treatment at no cost to qualified veterans. Support from organizations such as the Marines Care Foundation is helping raise awareness about the program and connect eligible service members with available care.
To qualify, applicants must be honorably discharged veterans with documented service-related challenges and demonstrated financial need. As part of the application process, Embracing Our Warriors collects and verifies several forms of information, including proof of military service through a DD-214, a VA Benefit Summary letter documenting a service-related disability, financial documentation showing need, and a personal statement describing how dental challenges impact daily life. Each application undergoes a thorough review before acceptance into the program.
Since launching in 2024, the organization reports that 19 veterans are currently receiving orthodontic treatment, with 25 additional applications under review. The value of the donated orthodontic services averages approximately $6,000 per patient.
Leaders of the program say their goal is to ensure that no veteran who could benefit from treatment is overlooked. By working with veteran support organizations and community partners, Embracing Our Warriors hopes to identify and assist more Marines and Navy Corpsmen in need of care.
Officials encourage veterans’ organizations and supporters to help spread the word about the program so that eligible service members can be connected with treatment and the opportunity to regain confidence in their smiles.