“Return a Smile to a Hero”. Ihor Lavryshyn, MedGarant Plus, Ternopil

Ihor Lavryshyn, a maxillofacial surgeon and implantologist with 30 years of experience, was among the first dentists to join Dental Help UA.

Volunteering has been a major part of his life. As a member of Rotary Club, he has long been involved in solving urgent community issues. Since 2014, he has actively helped soldiers restore dental health, together with colleagues and medical students.

With the arrival of the Dental Help UA initiative, he gained a “central hub” and even more possibilities.

“Every dentist today has a personal stance: to provide the maximum help to our Defenders,” says Ihor. “The project gives us opportunities to reach a higher professional level. Rehabilitation is the best way for a dentist to realize their expertise. Working as a team to restore soldiers’ smiles unites and motivates us all.”.

His approach is full rehabilitation. Soldiers usually receive primary dental care during short leave. “For military patients, the same treatment protocols apply as for regular patients. First, we eliminate anything that could bother them at the front: hygiene, inflammation, etc. Complex operations and large prosthetic work are scheduled for longer leave periods. Currently, we are treating a soldier with a shrapnel wound over six months.”

The MedGarant Plus team often works with soldiers on weekends, sometimes joined by other dentists.

“It’s a big advantage to tackle complex cases together. We frequently travel to other cities in the region for difficult surgeries and non-standard challenges,” Ihor adds.

He stresses that war is a marathon, requiring constant attention to resources — both financial and professional. “We maintain a network of dentists, dental labs, students, and suppliers ready to work on volunteer cases. Helping soldiers has become part of a dentist’s professional life, and society will change after the war. Dentists must understand this.”

Gratitude from soldiers is the greatest motivation.

“Such appreciation keeps you mentally healthy and gives a sense of being part of something very big and important,” says Ihor.