(Opinion) Over 600 veterans later, the need is still great

ORAL CARE

In November, we set aside one day to recognize the sacrifice our veterans have made. Though I feel this remembrance is an important one, I think veterans are a group that should be honored in our everyday actions.

Their commitment to serving our country should be equally met with a commitment from us to serve them. I have never been one to shy away from voicing my concern for the services available to our veterans. We need to care for those that have stood up for the safety and well-being of our country. I believe this is our duty.

This is why I spearheaded the development of a local grassroots program that provides access to oral health care for our veterans in New Hampshire that need it most. I believe it is necessary for us to make sacrifices for those who have done so for us. And though the investment in time I have in this program may feel like a sacrifice, it is not.

I have had the pleasure of connecting with some of the bravest individuals that call our state home through this program. I have fond memories of many conversations, knowing they are calling in a time of need and honored to be able to provide them with an avenue of support for their dental needs.

Nationally, the state of oral health care available to veterans needs a revision. Under current regulations, as many as nine out of 10 veterans seeking dental care at Veterans Administration (VA) medical care facilities may be denied access to treatment. This is not a reflection on the dedicated VA staff, but specifically due to the restrictions in the rules governing who receives oral health care treatment through the VA Outpatient Dental Program.

The biggest challenge here is that the current rules can only be changed by an act of Congress (38 USC Sec. 1712). Though I strongly believe we need to find a national solution, I respect that these things take time. It took a 25-year fight to ensure Medicaid recipients in New Hampshire had access to oral health care benefits.

For now, we are committed to helping where we can, locally. Through a network of committed professionals, many of whom are veterans themselves, we have broken down the barriers to access for over 600 veterans to date. I hold these dental professionals with high regard for their willingness to provide dental services at a deeply discounted rate for our veterans. I am also grateful for the significant financial investment that is annually sanctioned by the Northeast Delta Dental’s board of directors. All told, we have invested well over $1.4 million dollars to help our heroes, starting with one phone call at a time.

I would be remiss to not mention the importance of understanding the “why” that makes this program so impactful. There is a significant correlation between oral health and overall health and wellness, and a correlation between receiving regular dental treatment and lowering overall medical costs.

It’s simple: As a nation, we can save money on veterans’ health care by investing more dollars in dental benefits. And we can give smiles back to the men and women that have sacrificed so much for our country.

I encourage you to speak to your congressional representatives. Share your stories and use your voice to advocate for our veterans. It may be a long journey to a solution, but I am proud to do so on behalf of these men and women. Consider the impact nationally when we know that we have already served over 600 in New Hampshire alone. Everyone deserves a healthy smile. Thank you to our veterans.

Tom Raffio is president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental.