A Veterans Day gift of dentistry

A 2021 Custer High School senior may have started something with her senior project that helped provide free dental care for local veterans. With Veterans Day fast approaching, Custer’s new dental office has provided  dental services to a South Dakota National Guard vet.
Earlier this year graduating senior Laney Carlin worked with Massa Dental of Hot Springs to provide free dental care to several area veterans, a project that Dr. Don Massa said he plans to continue.
Last week Dr. Kari Bolen of the new Custer Dental Studio announced she had written off over $500 of dental work done for Steven Schley of Custer as part of her celebration of Veterans Day and her commitment to give back to her new community.
Dr. Bolen said the inspiration came from a current high school senior who had contacted her about doing a project similar to Carlin’s but never got back to her. She said Schley had showed up wanting an appointment at the dental office on 5th Street while it was still being remodeled prior to opening. Then after the office opened in late June, he was one of her first patients. She was able to help him with his dental problems but he didn’t have dental coverage and was having trouble paying for the service.
“We’re trying very hard to be involved in the community,” said Dr. Bolen. “I’ve gotten involved in the Chamber of Commerce and Community Action and wanted to do something for Veterans Day.”
“My goal is to find local people in the community to help,” she said, “and continue to give back. We want to let people know we’re here for the town.”
The doctor said she plans to celebrate with Schley and his fellow veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at the Custer VFW. She will be there at 4:30 with toothbrushes for veterans.
“It will be a quick deal, but we are excited to help,” said Dr. Bolen.