Pasco Reporter

New Port Richey, FL: Congressman Gus Bilirakis and the Pasco County Dental Association are excited to announce their upcoming event, the annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles. This event, set to take place on November 3, 2023, will provide urgent dental care to 75 military Veterans living in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties who have been suffering from untreated dental pain and infection. The best part? All services will be provided at no cost to the Veterans.

"Our Veterans have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom and they deserve access to high-quality health care. I have filed legislation that will expand Veterans' access to dental care, however, I am very grateful for the generosity of the dentists from the West Pasco Dental Association who are not waiting for a change in law. They are ensuring that our heroes receive immediate care, and I am honored to help organize this important event," stated Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall health, yet dental care through the VA is currently limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service-connected injury impacting their oral health. Recognizing this gap, the Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event aims to bridge the divide and provide much-needed dental services to Veterans in need.

Veterans in need of dental services are encouraged to contact Congressman Bilirakis's office at 727-232-2921 to sign up for treatment. The services will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

The event will offer a range of services including professional dental cleanings, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, and dental fillings. "These heroes deserve a system of care to ensure their oral health care needs are met. Until that can become a reality, it is our professional privilege to serve this special segment of our community," said Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal of the West Pasco Dental Association.

In addition to the Pasco County Dental Association, other partners and sponsors of the event include Pasco-Hernando State College, Hungry Harry’s, and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation. The press is welcome to attend and cover this impactful initiative.

For more information or to sign up for dental treatment, please contact Congressman Bilirakis's office at 727-232-2921.

Links:

- Congressman Gus Bilirakis's office: [Contact Information](https://bilirakis.house.gov/contact/)

- Pasco County Dental Association: [Website](https://www.pascodental.org/)

- Pasco-Hernando State College: [Website](https://www.phsc.edu/)

- Hungry Harry’s: [Website](https://www.hungryharrysbbq.com/)

- Henry Schein Cares Foundation: [Website](https://www.hscaresfoundation.org/)