VA’s Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) plays a pivotal role in using cutting-edge technologies to enhance Veterans’ lives. Through advanced 3D printing and digital dentistry, OAM helped reshape the smile of Clay Hill through dentures. Hill, 76, is a Vietnam Army Veteran (pictured above) who endured facial trauma during his service.
For the past three decades, the resilient Veteran used a less effective pair of dentures because of limited flexibility in his face caused by scars and major jaw surgery. However, thanks to the innovative approach facilitated by OAM, his journey took a transformative turn in just two months.
Giving Veterans a reason to smile
With access to VA dental services, Hill was able to enlist the services of the OAM team at Puget Sound VA in Seattle. The team used advanced 3D printing and digital dentistry to create custom dentures tailored to fit the unique shape of his mouth. He experienced improved comfort and functionality thanks to the precise alignment of the dentures.
During the denture customization, the dental assistant was brought to tears. The results were impressive. The dentures provided exceptional stability, ensuring they stayed firmly in place during everyday activities like eating and speaking. The Veteran was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. This was more than a denture replacement. It transformed his well-being and gave him a smile he could be proud of.
He expressed his profound satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “VA Puget Sound did an excellent job. I would give them a 5-star rating. I would send any of my Veteran buddies in need of teeth to this team. The dentures are awesome. I feel great, I look great.”
Impacting Veteran care through innovation
This experience demonstrates what OAM aims to do: give personalized, safe and equitable care to Veterans by improving VA’s manufacturing abilities. It also highlights the dedication of VA staff to giving the best possible care to its patients and bringing in innovative approaches when traditional solutions do not fully meet Veterans’ needs.
The story of this Veteran’s smile serves as an important reminder of the great impact that innovation and compassion can have on the lives of those we serve across the enterprise. OAM will continue to uphold the sacred obligation to honor and care for the Nation’s Veterans, one smile at a time.