Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States, is home to more than 52,000 veterans. These men and women have made great sacrifices defending the ideals and freedoms enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, both signed in Philadelphia.
But too often, Veterans are fighting battles they shouldn’t have to fight to secure the healthcare they need—including dental care. Finding a quality, comprehensive, affordable veterans dental clinic can be a challenge.
At Penn Dental Medicine (PDM)—at 40th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia, only three miles from Independence Hall—we provide veterans dental care that improves their oral and overall health without harming their budget.
The Penn Dental Medicine Veterans Dental Care Fund, established through a $100,000 gift from a PDM alumnus and his wife, directly supports service members who otherwise would not be able to afford the dental care they urgently need.
“Everyone benefits from the selfless services of these veterans,” says Elizabeth Ketterlinus, Penn Dental Medicine Vice Dean for Institutional Advancement. “They deserve not only our gratitude but our ongoing support in times of need.”
Accessible, Affordable Dental Care for Veterans Must Be a Priority
The cost and coverage of care at a veterans dental clinic are significant concerns for many veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does provide some dental care for eligible Veterans. Covered treatments may include preventive and basic dental services—cleanings, exams, and fillings. But more complex procedures—including crowns, bridges, and dentures—may not be covered.
Some veterans may be able to receive more comprehensive dental care through the VA’s Veterans Community Care program. It lets eligible veterans receive care from private providers. Coverage and eligibility for this program can vary, however. Veterans may still face out-of-pocket costs for certain dental services.
Access to affordable and comprehensive dental care is crucial. The dental care disparities confronting Veterans are taking their toll. According to the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health:
- More than half (56%) of Veterans surveyed for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reported active and treated tooth decay, a significantly higher percentage than nonveterans (37%).
- Close to half (42%) reported having had gum problems or bone loss around their teeth—again, a significantly higher proportion than nonveterans (27%).
- Roughly two in five Veterans called their oral health “fair or poor.” “This [statistic] translates into approximately 8 million [V]eterans with self-reported suboptimal oral health.”
Gum disease, tooth decay, missing teeth, and other oral health issues can greatly impact Veterans’ overall health and quality of life. In addition, dental issues can affect a veteran’s ability to eat, speak, and find employment.
Without access to affordable dental care, veterans may delay or forgo necessary treatments. This situation can lead to oral health problems becoming more complicated and more serious.
The PDM Veterans Dental Care Fund Makes a Difference
The Penn Dental Medicine Veterans Dental Care Fund allows PDM to lead the Philadelphia region in meeting Veterans’ pressing oral healthcare needs.
The PDM alumnus who donated and wishes to remain anonymous served as an Army officer. He has seen for himself, through both his service and years of practicing dentistry, the need among many Veterans for help with their dental and oral healthcare.
“Veterans often have limited dental coverage through the VA,” he explains. “We felt that by starting this Fund … we could support them in appreciation of their service and help improve their quality of life. Better oral health will help them live healthier, happier, and more secure lives.”
His earliest experience caring for a veteran, while he was still a dental student, had a profound effect on him.
One of his full denture patients was an Army Veteran—a man in his 40s who had lost all his teeth due to a combination of poor oral hygiene, substance abuse, and limited financial resources.
“He was so appreciative of the dental care we provided,” he says, “and we hope this Fund can not only aid similar veterans in desperate need of dental care but also inspire current dental students to help the veterans who risked their lives for our country.”
Penn Dental’s Commitment To Serving Those Who’ve Served
Even before the Fund’s establishment, PDM has been expanding its efforts to become a leading institution where veterans can get dental care.
In the Personalized Care Suite at PDM, for example, we provide dental and oral health treatment to veterans in wheelchairs or who experience dental anxiety or phobia due to PTSD or other service-connected disabilities.
PDM also offers a veterans-only appointment phone number: 215-573-VETS (8387). Patients who call this line and identify themselves as veterans can get expert answers to dental and oral healthcare questions, make appointments, and discuss veteran-specific discounts and benefits.
And, as a teaching clinic of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, PDM offers high-quality, leading-edge dental treatment for a fraction of what most private practices charge.
The Penn Dental Medicine Veterans Dental Care Fund’s donors hope that with grassroots support from others, the Fund will expand to provide even greater support for Veterans who go to PDM for care.
“This generous donation will have a far-reaching impact on the lives of the Veterans we serve,” says Penn Dental Medicine’s Morton Amsterdam Dean, Dr. Mark S. Wolff. “We are tremendously grateful to have this Fund as an ongoing resource to help those Veterans in need.”
Do you need a comprehensive, affordable veterans dental clinic in or near Philadelphia? Call 215-573-VETS (8387) today to schedule your appointment, or get your appointment online.
