MARQUETTE — Two rural veteran oral health forums will be taking place next week for veterans and their families to help provide feedback and influence policy on veteran dental care access.

The forums in Harris and Sault Ste. Marie are part of a series of forums where the Upper Peninsula Commission For Area Progress are educating veterans about proper oral health, as well as hearing their stories and concerns to present to public officials capable of making policy changes to expand veteran dental healthcare. Two forums were originally held in July, taking place in South Range and Ironwood, for similar reasons.

“According to CareQuest Institute and American Institute of Dental Public Health research, compared to non-veterans, veterans have consistently higher rates of periodontitis, missing teeth, and filled teeth, even when controlling for other factors like chronic medical conditions and smoking status,” writes the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health on their website. “Veterans are also more likely to have health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension that are associated with poor oral health and often lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. Our research shows the economic and health benefits of improving access to dental care for veterans.” The funding for these forums is made possible through the CareQuest Institute, and a free meal will be provided to veterans and their families who attend. A $25 gas card will also be available for veterans who present proof of service (a DD-214, a VA card, etc.) while supplies last. Signing in and presentation attendance are required for you to receive the gas card.

The schedule for both forums is as follows:

≤ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 19 – forum in Wolf & Turtle rooms at Island Resort and Casino, located at West 399 US-2 & US-41 in Harris.

≤ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Aug. 20 – forum at the Big Bear Arena (Bear Court) located at 2 Ice Circle Drive in Sault Ste. Marie.

Questions can be directed to the UPCAP Veterans Program at 906-282-0041 or lombardf@upcap.org. UPCAP services can be explored by calling 211 or visiting upcap.org.

More information about the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and their research can be found online at carequest.org/veteran-oral-health.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.