Dental Associates 'PaYS' it forward; plans to hire more veterans for new facilities

FRANKLIN -- Brightening smiles has always been a big part of Dr. Donald Gundlach's life.

Dr. Donald Gundlach

He was well into his career as a dentist when he made the big decision to join the Army Reserve and several years later he felt compelled to go overseas.

"I felt I needed to do more so that's when I pushed hard to get to Afghanistan," said Dr. Gundlach.

During his deployment, he worked on the teeth of both human and canine soldiers, but the shift back into civilian life can be challenging.

"It's hard sometimes for people to understand what they've been through and it's hard for them to transition. I had a hard time even coming back from Afghanistan after 100 days," said Dr. Gundlach.

Watching Dr. Gundlach's experience prompted the management within his civilian job at Dental Associates to take action to help our vets.

Dental Associates was accepted into the Army's Partnership for Youth Success or PaYS program, which helps train and place veterans into jobs.

Dental Associates

"To me, the biggest waste is somebody that can contribute to society and doesn't get an opportunity to," said said Dr. Gundlach.

With Dental Associates opening two new facilities, they will have many positions they're looking to fill -- hopefully making a difference in the lives of our heroes.

Dental Associates

For more information on the PaYS program CLICK HERE.