Auburn is home to nearly 5,000 veterans, and in fact, Washington is also among one of the top 10 states in the country with the most total active duty and reserve members in the military.

Active soldiers and veterans have sacrificed to protect their county. In an effort to show its appreciation, Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has launched the inaugural Smiles For Soldiers program.

The program will provide an active soldier or veteran in the community with a new smile through a full-arch restoration treatment, a $50,000 procedure, free of cost. The program is aimed toward local candidates who suffer from extremely poor oral health and do not have the means to pay for the extensive procedure.

The Smiles For Soldiers program is one of the few charitable programs Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has provided to its community.

“The program is our way of giving back to the military veterans and active-duty soldiers who have not only done a great deal for our country, but also our community,” said Dr. Carl Johnson, an oral surgeon with Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. “We are eager to hear the amazing stories from the residents in our community.”

Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons have partnered with The Straumann Dental Implant System, and Restorative Prosthodontist, Dr. John Petrini, of Petrini Prosthodontics in the effort.

The application period for the Smiles For Soldiers program will run from Aug. 27 to Sept. 27. Local active soldiers and veterans in the community who are interested can apply by visiting pnwoms.com/soldiers. Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons will also be posting program updates on its Facebook page.