PORT ORCHARD — Dr. Ron Schoepflin and his team at Schoepflin Dental Excellence in Port Orchard are preparing for their second Veterans Dental Day, in which they will provide free and low-cost dental care for veterans and their families.

The event is set for Feb. 16 at Schoepflin’s clinic at 6500 Mile Hill Drive. The services — many of them offered without charge — include a cleaning, exam and radiographs. Costs to veterans will be calculated on a sliding scale based on income and qualifying dependent status.

Schoepflin, who said he wants to give back to those who have served in the military, is known in the area as the dentist who gives little green soldiers with a note to his patients asking them to say a prayer for the service members.

“I have always had the utmost respect for service members and what they have sacrificed for our country,” Schoepflin said. “This is a small way I can give back.”

In addition to providing his dental expertise, Schoepflin served on the selection committee to award and recognize Dan Bujok, a U.S. Navy retiree from Kitsap County who has helped ex-service members in the community.

The free and low-cost dental clinic was created by Schoepflin after he visited the VFW Post 2669, which opened last year on Mile Hill Drive, and asked how he could give back to veterans. Post members recommended he participate in a biannual Stand Down in Bremerton. At that event, Schoepflin was greeted by a dental colleague who gave him a white lab coat to wear as he provided dental care for the veterans.

Just as he does with his regular patients, Schoepflin first assesses each veteran’s oral health, provides basic services and then determines a plan for addressing their overall needs.

“We feel it is important to not only treat veterans but also their families,” he said, noting that they have shared sacrifices with their loved ones.

For more information about the event, email vetsdentalcare@outlook.com.

— Bob Smith is an editor with Kitsap News Group. Contact him at rsmith@soundpublishing.com.