Dental care for veterans: Coverage and options explained

Dental conditions are common among veterans, whether directly related to military service or as a secondary service-connected condition (learn about the difference here). The good news is that VA disability benefits can also include dental treatment and care – but it's important to understand the necessary criteria to qualify, along with what is and isn't included.

So how can veterans get VA disability benefits, insurance, and other support for dental conditions? We'll cover this below, along with an overview of some more common dental conditions that veterans develop.

What types of dental benefits and care are available to veterans from the VA?

There are several different ways for veterans to get support and treatment for their dental conditions. Most are VA-related, but there are some other programs committed to helping veterans get the care they need when VA resources don't provide coverage or enough of it. Here are some options available to veterans:

• VA disability benefits for dental conditions: It's possible to earn VA disability benefits for dental conditions. You'll want to make sure that your treatment records show the history of your condition and get the correct diagnosis.

• VA-provided dental care: The VA provides some dental care services to veterans who meet eligibility criteria. From regularly scheduled cleanings to more involved procedures such as oral surgery, a variety of different care levels are available. Learn more about VA dentistry here, and about eligibility here.

• VA Dental Insurance Program: This program provides discounted private dental insurance to veterans and their families if they meet certain criteria. In order to be eligible, you must either be enrolled in VA health care or be a current or surviving spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member who is also enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA).

• Veteran community support programs: There's still a large gap when it comes to dental care for veterans. Up to 85% of veterans don't have care through the VA, but programs such as VETSmile are there to help. This program connects veterans with community dental schools that are willing to offer treatments at no cost.

How much does it cost for veterans to get dental care?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer here. Cost depends on the dental plan that the veteran has, and how much dental work they need. While it's possible to get VA coverage in some situations (or service-connection for benefits), other procedures and care can vary from a few hundred dollars all the way into tens of thousands.

Requirements veterans must meet to receive compensation for dental conditions

In order to get compensation or dental care from the VA, veterans must fall into one of the following categories:

• Their disability rating is 100%

• They have a service-connected dental condition

• They were a prisoner of war (POW)

• They are participating in a VA vocational rehabilitation program

Common dental conditions that veterans face

Some dental conditions are more common than others for veterans. Here are a few that occur more frequently, sometimes as a result of other service-connected conditions or lifestyle factors that come with military service.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD)

• Dental erosion

• Periodontal disease

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Learn more about each of these in this blog: 4 of the most common dental conditions that veterans face

Ready to file a strong, well-prepared claim that will make a difference?

The most well-prepared VA disability benefits claims begin with the right documentation. Our medical experts deliver precisely-crafted Nexus Letters, DBQs, and more. We're here to help you get what you need before you submit your evidence to the VA. Rather than struggling alone, work with one of our professional medical experts to get exactly what you need without all of the confusion.

Start by signing up for a Medical Evidence Assessment (every veteran starts here). Browse our full list of services here.