Saints Angel of the Week: Dr. Nicole Jackson, A Veterans Day Gift of a Smile (SNN/SI)
Air Force Veteran and Dentist Dr. Nicole Jackson was on a mission Veteran's Day 2019.
On Monday, November 11, the official U.S. observance of Veterans Day, Dr. Nicole Jackson, a decorated Air Force veteran provided free dental care to Army Veteran Roy Ford, of Covington, La; Army Veteran Juan Morales, of Berwick, La.; and Navy Veteran Jacqualyn Andrews-Carter of New Orleans, La. They performed the work at her Affordable Dentures & Implants practice, 5207 Pinnacle Parkway in Covington.
Roy Ford - Veteran
Roy, who was often called “Smiley” growing up, explained, “I got to a point where I didn’t smile at family functions. It would be nice to smile again without putting my hand over my mouth.” This was about to change for Roy, thanks to a local dentist Dr. Nicole Jackson, who gave Roy a special gift on Veterans Day: the gift of a smile. “It’s a blessing,” said Roy, who served in the Army from 1978 to 1989, including overseas deployments.
The dental care provided -- all specialized treatments performed daily by Dr. Jackson included teeth extractions and a set of new dentures (upper and/or lower) for all three veterans. Dr. Jackson, a New Orleans native, recently returned to the area to practice dentistry. She has a love for the New Orleans Saints and a deep and personal mission to give back to fellow Veterans, many of whom do not have health benefits that cover dental care.
“Having served my country in the U.S. Air Force, I have a special place in my heart for fellow Veterans” explained Dr. Jackson. “
I treat patients daily in my practice and see first-hand the impact a smile can have on confidence, quality of life and the overall health of a patient. Helping our Veterans is an honor, and I’m grateful to do this on a day when we all join to show our gratitude to Veterans.”
Roy added, as he thinks about his new smile,
“This is like a whole brand-new life again. I don’t have dental benefits from my military service, and I was trying to get money together to do this, and it’s just a great surprise!”
Juan Morales - Veteran
Juan Morales also gained a new smile on Veterans Day, thanks to Dr. Jackson. The U.S. Army Veteran, who served overseas during Operation Desert Storm, said, “I’m looking forward to smiling in public, and I haven’t taken pictures in a while.” Juan started a new business and he said, “this gift will have a huge impact on me as I start my new business. I’m overwhelmed and thankful!”
Just as Roy and Juan, Navy Veteran Jacqualyn Andrews-Carter was overcome with joy and excitement as she prepared to get her new smile. Jackie, as her friends affectionately called her would rarely smile and if she did, it was with her hand covering her mouth. She considered the generous gift of Dr. Jackson as life-changing.
Dr. Nicole Jackson with Patient
Dr. Jackson
Congratulations Dr. Nicole Jackson, you are the Saints News Network/SI’s Saints Angel of the Week.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and over 35 million Americans are missing all their teeth on one or both arches. For military veterans, to qualify for full VA dental benefits, they must be 100 percent disabled, have been a prisoner of war or have developed a dental condition during their service.
About Affordable Dentures & Implants® Founded in 1975, Affordable Dentures & Implants today is the largest network of providers concentrating on denture and implant services in the U.S., with over 280 affiliated practices in the U.S. Each affiliated practice is individually owned and operated by a licensed general dentist to provide dentures and implants crafted to each patient’s treatment needs, delivered with the highest levels of professionalism and care. Over seven million patients have received services from an Affordable Dentures & Implants-affiliated practice. For more information about Affordable Dentures & Implants, visit www.affordabledentures.com.
