7 Tips for Improving Dental and Eye Care for Veterans 

We all want to better serve those who served our country, so providing quality dental and eye care for veterans should be a top priority for your practice. It can be difficult for many veterans to receive good care due to mobility issues, lack of transportation, and even financial strain. So here are a few ideas for your clinic that will help you provide improved healthcare for veterans. 

Part 1: Understand VA and Community Programs

1 | Accept Veterans Community Care Program

Sign up to accept the Veterans Community Care program, which will allow veterans to use their VA benefits to receive care at your practice. The VA works with community providers to deliver care when it can’t provide the needed care directly. Community care may include care for veterans, family members, and dependents depending on the program and eligibility requirements. Check out this website to learn more about the Veterans Community Care program. 

2 | Be a Part of Pro Bono Programs

Partner with initiatives like Everyone for Veterans to offer free or reduced-cost comprehensive care. These programs allow veterans, who are typically on a fixed income, to receive care. 

3 | Learn About VADIP

This one is specifically for dental practices. Did you know that the VA only covers dental care for vets with a 100% disability rating? That leaves millions of veterans dealing with poor dental health, leading to a lower quality of life and poor overall health. The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers discounted private dental insurance for veterans and their family members who meet certain requirements. Learning about this program allows you to guide patients on what discounted private plans cover. 

4 | Work with Local Community Health Organizations

Many community health centers offer discounted care to veterans. Offering your services for a day or two at your local community health center can be of benefit to veterans. Some community health centers offer a mobile health van that treats homeless, including homeless vets, helping get care to those who need it most.  

Part 2: Adapt Your Practice for Trauma-Informed Care

5 | Trauma-Informed Care

Be aware that conditions like PTSD can cause severe medical or dental anxiety. Making sure your waiting area is quiet can help. For dentists, consider offering sedation dentistry. And because of the stress medical and dental care can cause, many vets put off routine care, such as annual eye exams and dental cleanings. So talk openly with your veteran patients about treatment steps, costs, and pacing. 

Part 3: Improving and Optimizing Care

6 | Provide Comprehensive Care

Veterans can sometimes have complex medical needs. So provide thorough screenings for common service-related issues, such as impacts on vision due to a traumatic brain injury. 

7 | Offer Flexible Payment Plans

Clear cost estimates and monthly payment options for procedures that fall outside basic government or insurance coverage will go a long way in helping your veteran patients feel more comfortable and secure in seeking the dental and eye care they need. 

Final Thoughts

Veterans have served our country with pride, and in return, they should receive the best dental and eye care with dignity. By learning about VA programs, working with local health clinics and other programs, while also becoming more trauma-informed and focusing on the special needs of veterans, your practice can provide better eye and dental care for veterans.