VA Dental Care – www.va.gov Go to this website and type in “Dental Care” for a thorough search on the most up-to-date offerings of the VA. There are constant changes that the VA is implementing. The latest we are aware of is a comprehensive national VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) to give enrolled Veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries the opportunity to purchase dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife at a reduced cost. Participation is voluntary. Purchasing a dental plan does not affect Veterans’ eligibility for VA dental services and treatment. VADIP opens November 15 for the purchasing of plans, with coverage beginning January 1, 2014.
Salute Heroes Caregiver Alliance – for veterans needing surgery that they cannot get otherwise – https://saluteheroes.org/get-help/make-a-veteran-smile/
Zoc Doc – http://www.zocdoc.com/. Zoc Doc is a free service that allows patients to book doctor and dentist appointments online. It is not available in all states and/or all zip codes, but may be a helpful resource for those seeking to locate a doctor.
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.