Back in November, a 15-year veteran of the Air Force won a contest to have $50,000 worth of dental surgery. The surgery could not only transform Jacob Bowden's mouth, but the confidence from it could change his entire life, as he battled the same post-military issues so many service members face as they transition back into the civilian world. 

His surgery was set for early spring, but then COVID-19 came.

What You Need To Know


  • Air Force veteran Jacob Bowden struggled with the transition back into the Civilian world, and his depression led to major teeth issues

  • Bowden won a contest through Upstate Oral Surgery for $50,000 worth of dental work

  • COVID-19 postponed the surgery for two months

  • Bowden now has a new mouth, a new smile and new confidence

However, now that dentists' offices are back open, Bowden's surgery could now happen.

Bowden, 39 of Carthage, is very open with the struggles he faced after his 15 years of service.

"I was unemployed for almost two years, going through a pretty bad divorce," he said.

He says it left him severely depressed and, at one point, homeless. He says he didn't take care of himself — and he says, it showed, in his mouth.

However, he didn't quit on life. He found a job, found love, and even has a new baby. He was just missing one thing.

It's that story that inspired Dr. Logan Curtis, an oral surgeon in Watertown and an Army veteran himself. Dr. Curtis and Upstate Oral Surgery were hosting a contest for a veteran in need, and when they came across Jacob's submission, they knew they had found their winner.

"Jacob and his family are just an amazing story. This is going to make ... a life-changing difference for him," Dr. Curtis said.

"This will hopefully bring me back. I feel it will bring me back to where I was and have that big smile, confident smile," Bowden added.

The surgery, which had been postponed for a few months because of COVID-19, finally happened Friday. Jacob received a full arch-restoration, where dental implants are anchored to a temporary set of dentures.

"It's really not about the teeth. It's about the whole demeanor. It's about the confidence you feel when you smile and when you feel comfortable talking with people," Dr. Curtis said.

"Dr. Curtis stepping up, helping another vet, I feel embraced. I want to move forward and definitely help return that feeling," Bowden added.

Jacob will be on an all-liquid diet for a bit, but is expected to soon be 100% and be able to flash that big smile in no time at all.