Where can I get non-service-connected dental work/implants?

Sgt Jason Wydra — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:30:18 -0400

NEED TEETH! Hello. New here. I am a previous homeless veteran with alcohol dependency. A couple years ago I gave up drinking and moved into public housing. I am desperately looking for work but am having a hard time because I am missing eight teeth due to 10+ years of drinking and overall poor dental hygiene. To make things worse, I am in almost constant pain from other decaying teeth. Furthermore, it is difficult to eat solid food because of the pain and sensitivity caused by exposed roots. The problem is that since I am not service-connected, the VA will not cover my much needed dental work-over. I am desperate for help. I want to get back to work and contribute to society like I used to before I let alcohol destroy me in my late 20s. I'm 44 now and ready to start over, but my oral health is a MAJOR roadblock. I don't understand why the VA doesn't cover dental for me. If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Jason

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made Apr 29 at 2019 10:41 AM

1SG Eddie Smith — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 10:41:34 -0400

Jason,

Are you currently at risk of becoming homeless again? Check out this website for information regarding your personal situation: https://www.va.gov/homeless/dental.asp

Persons wishing to obtain information regarding the homeless dental program in their area should contact their nearest VA’s homeless coordinator at a VA Medical Center or clinic; or—

Contact Information for the program

Contacts
Dr. Elizabeth Nuñez, Director
Ms. Carol Yakimo, Program Specialist

Mailing Address
Department of Veterans Affairs
Homeless Veterans Dental Program
10770 N. 46th Street, Suite A-300
Tampa, FL 33617

For questions or comments about the Homeless Veterans Dental Program contact Carol Yakimo.

VA helps Veterans who are not only homeless but at risk of becoming homeless as well. So, it might be worth your time to speak with a VA homeless coordinator to see if they can help.

When it comes to dental its a completely different world than healthcare mainly because of the dental profession; policies and regulations and healthcare norms are just different.

Dental benefits are provided by VA according to law. In some instances, VA is authorized to provide extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment may be limited by law.

Extensive care would, of course, be if the Veteran experienced some sort of dental trauma while in military service and have a VA service-connected disability rating for dental trauma.

Just remember that the VA may be able to help if you are at risk of becoming homeless again, not sure of the extent VA can help, All VA Benefits are always based on Veteran unique service factors.

Goodluck.

dental.asp

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Apr 30 at 2019 11:34 AM

SFC Scott Higgins — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 11:34:15 -0400

I have seen adds for Aspen Dental saying they help in cases such as yours - give them a call.

Response by SPC Armando Garcia made Feb 24 at 2021 9:20 PM

SPC Armando Garcia — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:20:18 -0500

Go back to work save your money build up your credit then go for dental implants that is all I can advise