ADA asks dentists to urge federal support for veterans’ oral health

Only about 15% of veterans eligible for VA dental benefits

The ADA is asking dentists to write to their congressional delegation and urge them to support improved access to dental care through increased resources for Department of Veterans Affairs Dentistry, and the VET CARE Act of 2023.

Increased funding for VA Dentistry would enable under-resourced VA dentists to care for those already eligible for benefits, according to a September ADA action alert.

The VET CARE Act would also create a pilot program offering VA dental care to veterans with Type 2 diabetes as well as studying whether there is a correlation between receiving regular dental treatment and reduced complications of chronic disease.

“Many dentists are actively serving in the military or are veterans,” according to the alert. “But did you know that while veterans’ oral health is worse on average than non-veterans, only about 15% of veterans are eligible for VA dental benefits? More can, and must, be done to improve veterans’ access to oral health care.”

Visit ADA.org/advocacy/legislative-action-center/vet-care-action-alert to take action by contacting your federal representatives.

Follow the ADA’s advocacy efforts at ADA.org/advocacy.