Dental Care
- VA Dental Care - http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/library/pubs/Dental/Dental.pdf. This publication identifies the limited dental coverage for veterans, which is primarily related to dental service related disability. However:
Effective January 28, 2008, recently discharged veterans with a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability who served on active duty 90 days or more and who apply for VA dental care within 180 days of separation from active duty, may receive one time treatment for dental conditions if the dental condition is shown to have existed at the time of discharge or release and the veteran’s certificate of discharge does not indicate that the veteran received necessary dental care within a 90-day period prior to discharge or release. Read the linked PDF file for specific information regarding VA’s dental option criteria.
Dental Care is especially important if a veteran is taking medications. Many medications “dry out” the mouth and create an environment for rapid decay. There are “over-the-counter” products that can be purchased in the pharmacy area that keep the mouth lubricated and can minimize the potential impact of dental issues.
Also, veterans with extreme anxiety issues often clinch their jaws or grind their teeth. This can create fractures and lead to many other challenges.
Often dental challenges do not show up immediately. Be vigilant and keep a watchful eye out for wonderful local organizations (see following video) that may be helpful for uninsured or underinsured.
Click here to view the D-Dent video (Oklahoma) and the dental help they are providing to our veterans.