Expanding dental care for disabled veterans – DAV : Disabled American Veterans

Expanding dental care for disabled veterans  DAV : Disabled American Veterans

The Dental Care for Veterans Act would expand VA dental coverage for service-connected disabled veterans, addressing major gaps in care and improving access to essential oral health services across the system. For many veterans, access to dental care remains one of the most significant gaps in Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare. The DAV-backed Dental Care for Veterans Act (H.R. 210) aims to help close that gap by expanding comprehensive dental coverage to all veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley, the legislation would broaden eligibility for VA dental services by requiring the VA to furnish dental care in the same manner as any other medical service.

Currently, only about 25% of VA-enrolled veterans qualify for dental care, leaving many service-disabled veterans without access to preventive and restorative treatment. The need for expanded access is substantial. Recent survey data found that nearly 45% of veterans reported having teeth removed because of pain or infection after leaving the military. Research has also linked poor oral health to chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, underscoring the important role dental care plays in overall health and wellness. Although the Veterans Health Administration is the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system, dental services remain limited. Those who don’t qualify for VA dental benefits often must purchase coverage, pay out