The dentists at Germantown Dental Group discuss Guitars for Vets, a charity organization that aims to help veterans cope with PTSD.
Memphis, TN – Drs. Todd Gruen, John Whittemore, and Mickey Bernstein strive to form long-lasting relationships with their Memphis cosmetic dentistry patients, creating beautiful smiles that can last a lifetime. Germantown Dental Group has a loyal group of patients who place their trust in this team of dentists in the Memphis area to keep their teeth and gums healthy and beautiful. To give back some of this support to local communities, the dentists have recently partnered with one of their own patients to promote an innovative non-profit program for military veterans.
Guitars for Vets is a program designed to help veterans who struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to the organization, more than half of the men and women who returned from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars still face physical and mental challenges once they return to the United States. In addition, more soldiers have committed suicide since the Vietnam War than have died in actual battle. After discovering that the self-expression and personal engagement involved in learning to play the guitar sparked a renewed sense of spirit and hope through their own interactions, guitar instructor Patrick Nettesheim and Vietnam-era Marine Dan Van Buskirk created Guitars for Vets. Since 2007, the organization has distributed over 2,000 guitars to military veterans and provided over 20,000 free lessons.
This story – and the passionate involvement of one of their own patients – struck a chord with Drs. Gruen, Whittemore, and Bernstein. They now promote the program right out of their office, showcasing a guitar in the reception area that was painted by a local veteran. The dentists hope that Germantown Dental Group their patients, and people throughout the community can contribute new or used playable guitars, or provide cash donations, to support this important program. “We feel that vets need more charity organizations and support. We have a wonderful group of patients and some may have old guitars laying around that they could possibly help with. We are involved in charity organizations throughout the year, and this is one that has been on our list. It’s such a great cause.”
About Todd Gruen, DDS
Dr. Todd Gruen has been recognized in Memphis Magazine as a “Top Dentist.” In addition to serving as a Sustaining Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he is an active member of the Tennessee Dental Association, the Memphis Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Gruen is also a volunteer for the Give Back a Smile Foundation, an organization that helps domestic abuse survivors rebuild their smiles. He is available for interview upon request.
About John Whittemore, DDS
Dr. John Whittemore has been named a “Top Dentist” in Memphis Magazine, and readers of Memphis Parent Magazine have recognized him as “Best Family Dentist.” In addition to being a Sustaining Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Memphis Dental Society, among other professional organizations. Dr. Whittemore volunteers for the Give Back a Smile Foundation along with Dr. Gruen. He is available for interview upon request.
About Mickey Bernstein, DDS
In addition to being recognized as a “Top Dentist” in Memphis Magazine, Dr. Mickey Bernstein is a Co-Founder and past president of the Tennessee Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a former president of the AACD. Dr. Bernstein is currently a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American College of Dentists, and a member of the American Dental Association, the Memphis Dental Society, and other organizations. Dr. Bernstein is also a volunteer for the Give Back a Smile program. He is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Germantown Dental Group, please visit memphissmiledesigns.com or facebook.com/GermantownDentalGroup.
Contact:
Germantown Dental Group
2165 West Street
Germantown, TN 38138
(901) 754-0540
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com