I am a USAF veteran. SSGT AFCS 27270 1968-1975. I am currently enrolled in the VA Health Care System. Am I eligible for Dental care?

SSgt Ed Harmon — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 20:27:51 -0500

Are all Veterans who are enrolled in the VA Health Care System eligible for dental care?

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 17 at 2021 7:15 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 07:15:31 -0500

What gets me on this is that the V.A. itself says that good dental hygiene if important for good health but they don't provide it for anyone except 100% disabled vets. Wouldn't the VA come out ahead in the long run if they provided the dental service and not have to take care of as many vets with other issues because they didn't have dental as needed?
Everyone on here needs to write their representatives and tell them the VA should provide dental services. I did a couple weeks ago.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2021 6:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:00:42 -0500

I know from experience from working as a Dental Specialist at a few Dental clinics during my Active Duty years, that most Dental Clinics on Military bases do not see Veterans. Only Active Duty or NG/ Reserves on Active Duty Status for at least 30 days or more may be seen in those clinics. Family members of those listed above may be seen as well. To get a more accurate answer though I would suggest verifying with your VA reps or even calling a few military dental clinics. Some clinics are different from each other and have their own set rules and regulations that they have to follow.

Response by SSgt Ed Harmon made May 18 at 2022 6:55 PM

SSgt Ed Harmon — Wed, 18 May 2022 18:55:32 -0400

Unless you are disabled Veteran, the short answer is no.
Oddly enough, I have read of some VA Out Patient Clinics that do offer limited dental care to all.
My advice is to ask your VA Primary Care Physician, or call your local VA clinic and ask. Good Luck with it.
I am also a AFCS 27270 ATC. ‘68-‘75. Barring dental, I receive great care, including hearing and vision, from my local Out Patient Clinic and at Debakey Medical Hospital in Houston.
I hope that helps with your question.

Response by CPT Richard Trione made Apr 7 at 2023 11:33 AM

CPT Richard Trione — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 11:33:17 -0400

Thank you so much for sharing this with us!