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 the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health finds that nearly 600,000 veterans reported productivity loss in the past year due to oral health issues.
Furthermore, two in five 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.
85% of Veterans are Ineligible
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.
Systemic Health Issues
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 a range of initiatives, including partnerships 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.
In recent years, select PDS Health practices in New Mexico have participated in the Give Vets a Smile campaign, a nationwide initiative led by the American Dental Association Foundation to expand access to oral health care for veterans facing significant barriers. In 2024, participating practices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe provided over $73,000 in donated dental care to veterans. The day of service was led by Kelley Ryals, DDS, whose commitment as an active-duty service member and Santa Fe dentist reflects a deep personal connection to the veteran community. In 2025, PDS Health practices again joined the national effort, providing more than $92,000 in donated dental care to local veterans. Together, these initiatives reaffirm PDS Health’s commitment to improving access to oral health care for those who have served.
Expanding Access is Essential
“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.
A Comfortable and Effective Experience
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.
