Millions of veterans who are eligible for medical care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are not eligible for dental care, and a study by CareQuest finds that nearly 600,000 veterans reported productivity loss in the past year due to oral health issues.
Furthermore, 2 in 5 veterans described their oral health as fair or poor. Knowing the strong link between oral health and overall health, the dental industry can and must do more to support the nation’s veterans. At PDS Health, we’re helping connect veterans with the dental care they need.
Nationwide, 85% of veterans are ineligible for dental coverage through their primary provider, the VA. Only veterans with a service-connected compensable dental disability, former prisoners of war, or those with a 100% disability rating qualify for VA dental services.
For those who don’t meet these criteria, access to dental care is limited, resulting in a significantly higher risk of oral health issues, according to a report by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH). As a result, 60% of veterans are more likely to experience tooth decay, 42% report periodontal disease, and more than half have been unable to see a dentist due to cost concerns.
Left untreated, these conditions not only affect veterans’ oral health but also contribute to systemic health issues, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and complications in managing diabetes.
PDS Health supports veterans through several initiatives: we team up with veterans’ advocacy groups to fund essential services. Every year, we mark Smile Generation Serve Day by providing free dental care to underserved veterans at participating locations.
Last year, select PDS Health practices in New Mexico hosted Gives Vets a Smile, a nationwide campaign by the American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation in partnership with the PDS Health Foundation to expand access to oral health care for veterans facing significant barriers. Three local dental offices in New Mexico sponsored a day of service that provided $73,451 in donated dental care to 21 veterans in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr. Kelley Ryals, DDS, an active-duty member of the New Mexico Army National Guard and a Santa Fe dentist, led the day of service.
“Expanding access to oral health care for underserved communities, especially veterans and patients with PTSD, disabilities, and sensory needs, is essential," Dr. Ryals said. “Through specialized training, education, and advocacy, we can equip dental professionals to better serve veterans, and by prioritizing outreach and awareness, we can help improve their overall health and wellbeing.”
Helping veterans includes mental health support and compassionate care, especially for those with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. These patients have a high incidence of oral health problems, are at risk for damaging their teeth when they grind them in their sleep (bruxism), and experience chronic pain in the face, jaw, and mouth, according to a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
As clinicians, we can create a supportive environment, educating patients on stress-reducing techniques that promote sustainable oral health and offer treatment options that can help with pain. Being trained in trauma-informed care can help us create a comfortable and effective experience for veterans. By taking a mindful approach to the unique challenges and needs of this community, we can do our part in honoring their service to our nation and delivering more coordinated, personalized care that helps improve their overall health by improving their oral health.
