“Return a Smile to a Hero” — In Faces. Dr. Vladyslav Kushniruk, Israeli Dentistry Center (IDC), Kyiv
Dr. Vladyslav Kushniruk, an experienced implantologist and surgical prosthodontist, is one of the leading doctors performing surgeries for soldiers within the Dental Help UA project. To date, he has completed over 25 operations, restoring more than 200 teeth for Ukrainian defenders. Thanks to Straumann, which provided high-quality implants, and the expertise of Dr. Kushniruk and the IDC dental team, soldiers are smiling again.
High productivity is driven by Vladyslav’s personal motivation. He believes that helping soldiers is the simplest way to show gratitude for the opportunity to live and work. “We can develop our business, breathe, and build plans thanks to them. When soldiers tell you that since 2014 this is the most important help they have received from anyone, it gives you wings. You just want to move forward,” shares Vladyslav.
At IDC, soldiers receive the same level of service and care as civilian patients. The only difference is in the “design” of their treatment: all procedures are planned so that soldiers returning to the front lines do not face complications. Otherwise, they would need to find time and a way to reach a doctor — a luxury not available to everyone.
In addition to restoring teeth, the clinic provides a full spectrum of dental care for defenders: treating inflammation, granulomas, and more. Vladyslav emphasizes: “Good oral health is important not only for the soldiers themselves but also for their commanders. The military encourages them to seek dental care, because timely treatment preserves their teeth in the long run.”
Through the project, the IDC team has heard many remarkable stories from soldier-patients. “One soldier from the Bakhmut area had a grenade explode near his face. After significant rehabilitation, by December 30, 2022, he was able to celebrate the New Year with restored teeth,” recalls Vladyslav. Another case involved a soldier presumed dead, who had fought in all directions with volunteer battalions. Not only did he survive, but the team helped him restore his oral health professionally.
Word of mouth works best for attracting soldier-patients in the Dental Help UA initiative. Vladyslav notes that soldiers pass information to each other, arriving from various ages and ranks. “Recently, we treated the head of the ATO veterans’ union. Currently, we have brave soldiers from the Vyshhorod area, responsible for air defense. Protecting Kyiv region from attacks and hearing explosions is normal for them, yet they can faint at the sight of surgical instruments,” Vladyslav shares with humor.
The main treatment days for soldiers at IDC are Saturday and Sunday, when Dr. Kushniruk and his assistant can perform three or more operations per day.
The IDC team maintains friendly relationships with most soldier-patients. Vladyslav stays in touch with them via messaging apps, knows where each soldier is serving, congratulates them on holidays, supports them, and, of course, is always ready to restore their smiles.
