Lubbock veteran receiving new smile through ‘Smiles for Soldiers’

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - There's no doubt Justin Doyle will use his smile a lot more, with a lot more to smile about.

The 49-year-old veteran is the eighth soldier in the "Smiles for Soldiers" program to receive a brand-new set of permanent teeth.

The program started with a mission to care for a local hero in need of help with their oral health.

Dr. Robert Ioppolo, an Oral Surgeon in Lubbock, says this procedure gives them a fresh start.

"All of the patient's teeth are removed, the bone is smoothed down nice and flat and then dental implants are installed so the dental implants can support a bridge that is not removable, and this is a permanent fixture inside of the patient's mouth which is more natural," Ioppolo said.

Ioppolo says this program has brought confidence and life back to these veterans.

"It's a lot of tears, right, so initially right when we get done with the procedure and they look into the mirror for the first time and a lot of these folks they smile like this or even talk to you behind their hand 'cause they don't want to show what's missing," Ioppolo said.

"When all of the sudden they're able to smile again and that smile looks beautiful, feels confident, and solid they can go back to enjoying so many of the things they used to enjoy that have been hampered by this dental problem."

Dentist Dr. Josh Meador takes care of the patient after the procedure.

He believes this program provides veterans with the medical care they deserve.

"A lot of times these veterans are underserved as far as medical care and general care in society, so I think it's an amazing opportunity for everyone to kind of serve their veterans in any way they can and for us in dentistry it looks like Smiles for Soldiers this year," Meador said.

Doyle says he is blessed to have this opportunity and can't thank everyone who was involved enough.

"Excited, overwhelmed, it's just a ton of money and I'm extremely grateful to Dr. Hill and Ioppolo, just excited to be able to smile again," Doyle said.