For a long time, veterans who didn’t qualify for federal VA dental benefits or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) had limited or no access to dental care, leaving many to delay appointments, live with pain and infection, or skip routine checkups. Oral health plays a big role in overall health because problems like gum disease can affect the rest of the body, including the heart. Keeping teeth and gums healthy supports whole-body well-being and can help lower the risk of other health issues.
National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) gives us a chance to recognize the many ways veterans strengthen our communities. It also reminds us that supporting veterans means making sure they can access the care they need to stay healthy. One important way Oregon is doing that is by making it easier for veterans to get dental care.
Oregon Health Authority launched the Veteran Dental Program in 2023 to address this need. Veterans who earn a monthly income of up to $5,320 for an individual or up to $11,000 for a family of four may qualify. The program offers services like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures and emergency care. Best of all, eligible veterans don’t pay for covered services. It’s making a real difference – more than 4,300 individuals are already enrolled in the program and 892 veterans received dental care in 2025.
Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, says this kind of access is long overdue. “Oral health is health care,” she explains, “and for many veterans—especially aging veterans—dental care has been one of the most significant gaps in access to services. We are helping ensure that veterans who may not qualify for federal VA dental benefits still have access to essential preventive and restorative care, such as dentures.”
Key to filling that gap has been collaboration across agencies. Dr. Daniels notes that the Veteran Dental Program “represents the kind of partnership that truly changes lives. For many years, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Oregon Health Authority have worked side by side to strengthen the access, awareness and the delivery of benefits that support veterans’ physical and behavioral health across our state.”
Dr. Daniels adds “this collaboration reflects Oregon’s long-standing commitment to closing gaps, expanding equitable access, and delivering life-changing services that honor veterans not just in word, but in action. Together, we are building a stronger, more responsive health care network for those who have served.”
If you’re a veteran—or if you know a veteran—now is a great time to learn more about the Oregon Veteran Dental Program. You can find details about eligibility, covered services, and how to get started by visiting OHA’s OHP DentalOnly Programs webpage.