Together we can make a difference in the lives of veterans.
Did you know that only about 8% of veterans that are enrolled in the Veterans Administration health care system qualify for VA dental benefits? Veterans must be designated with a 100% disability rating, former POWs, or have service-related dental conditions to be eligible for VA dental care. This leaves most veterans without access to dental care. Oral health impacts overall physical and mental health; individuals with oral health issues struggle with their confidence, relationships, and employment. Veterans living in poverty are more likely to experience oral health issues and, without access to dental care, many find themselves trapped in these dire circumstances of pain and despair.
Income and socio-economic status are key determinants of dental care access and oral health outcomes in the US. The division of dental care from all other forms of healthcare by U.S. health insurance systems creates significant barriers to care that disproportionately impacts low-income individuals. In recent years, when veterans can purchase dental insurance through the VA, many are still unable to have their dental needs met because they cannot afford to pay for the portion not covered by insurance.
Returning veterans must navigate major challenges when reintegrating with the civilian population. While numerous programs and policies exist to support veterans in these areas, the assistance they offer is often limited by funding constraints, strict eligibility criteria, burdensome processes for beneficiaries, and other hurdles.
Additionally, veterans experience higher rates of PTSD, joblessness, homelessness, and suicide. Stress is a significant presence in our specific veteran population. Approximately 90% of the veterans we serve suffer from some level of PTSD, depression, anxiety, or TBI, or in many situations a combination of these. Also, in this population, approx. 90% of our veterans have some form of periodontal disease. Many studies have shown a correlation between stress and increased periodontal disease, and that periodontal disease was positively associated with depression, and significantly correlated with anxiety.
Returning veterans must navigate major challenges when reintegrating with the civilian population. While numerous programs and policies exist to support veterans in these areas, the assistance they offer is often limited by funding constraints, strict eligibility criteria, burdensome processes for beneficiaries, and other hurdles.
Additionally, veterans experience higher rates of PTSD, joblessness, homelessness, and suicide. Stress is a significant presence in our specific veteran population. Approximately 90% of the veterans we serve suffer from some level of PTSD, depression, anxiety, or TBI, or in many situations a combination of these. Also, in this population, approx. 90% of our veterans have some form of periodontal disease. Many studies have shown a correlation between stress and increased periodontal disease, and that periodontal disease was positively associated with depression, and significantly correlated with anxiety.
Dental Care for Veterans Through E4V
Everyone for Veterans serves eligible veterans who are experiencing significant financial hardships and have limited or no dental insurance. In honor of these veterans, we also include services to their eligible spouses.
We work with many partnering dentists, agencies, and organizations that support efforts to increase access for our nation’s veterans as well as advocate at the State and Federal levels for policies and programs that support all veterans that have served Learn more and Apply now for free dental care.
We work with many partnering dentists, agencies, and organizations that support efforts to increase access for our nation’s veterans as well as advocate at the State and Federal levels for policies and programs that support all veterans that have served Learn more and Apply now for free dental care.
A Comprehensive Approach
Our veterans have often described returning to civilian life as a difficult transition. Through our Comprehensive Dental Care and resource and referral services, we are providing vital support to veterans who otherwise could not afford it. The dental services we provide are comprehensive, not one-time urgent care. Our partners utilize bridges, root canals, crowns, and implants to eliminate pain, restore smiles, and replace shame and embarrassment with joy and self-confidence.
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Everyone for Veterans is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID number: 81-4462476