About Us
The Veterans Smile Day Foundation was created to help raise awareness on the lack of dental care that veterans are facing across our nation. As a nonprofit 501(3)(c), our mission is to recruit dental professionals and corporate sponsorships to help fill in that void by “Serving Those Who’ve Served”. Since 2012, our volunteers have grown to include private dental offices, dental schools, hospitals, and dental societies and we hope to have you join us this year!
Thank you to our corporate sponsors – Henry Schein, Ultradent, and The Dentists Supply Company. As well as all of the local dental representatives across the nation that donate supplies to their local offices, schools and dental societies. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or donating, please email us at veteranssmileday@gmail.com.
Deryck Pham, DDS
Dr Pham graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 2004 and immediately began his career as a Lieutenant in the US Navy serving with the Marines and deploying to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006. In 2007, Dr Pham left the military for civilian life and joined private practice dentistry in New Jersey, where he now calls home. He is a passionate advocate for veterans and loves cheering on his USC Trojans!
Bijan Anvar, DDS
Dr. Anvar graduated NYU College of Dentistry with honors in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery in 1996. In addition to private practice, Dr. Anvar is a Past President of the Queens County Dental Society, as well as The Institute for Continuing Dental Education. Through his deep involvement with the ADA and the dental community, Dr. Anvar works endlessly to reach out to dental schools and hospitals to create programs that support the VSD mission. Dr. Anvar is grateful for the opportunity to “Serve Those Who’ve Served” and looks forward to the day when every veteran has a dental home.
Karin Irani, DDS
Dr. Irani graduated from the University of Southern California in 2003. She is the recipient of a multitude of dental awards, including most recently the Icons of Dentistry award by Ultradent for her contributions to the Veterans Smile Day programs. She is a strong leader within the American Dental Association and California Dental Association.
Dr. Irani grew up in a military family and understands the sacrifices of our military men and women and their families. She has a profound desire to help make a difference within the dental community through her extensive volunteer work, with a sharp focus on expanding the number of dental societies and private practices willing to open their doors to provide care for our United States veterans.
Jaci Klepadlo, BSDH, RDH
Jaci is a clinical hygienist and active member of the New Jersey Dental Hygienists’ Association. She has been a dental hygienist since 2007 and a veteran wife since 2006. Jaci is dedicated to raising awareness of the lack of dental care that our veterans receive and devoted to using her license and skills in making a difference across the nation.