Restoring Dignity: How Dental Care Helps Homeless Veterans Build Their Healthy Life
When we typically think of the struggles that homeless veterans endure returning from combat, we typically think of broader issues such as mental health and unemployment. As these issues are very devastating and disastrous to both one's mental and physical well being, one specific area that is severely under
looked is their access to healthcare. More specifically, is their access to oral and dental health.
Why Homeless Veterans Struggle With Dental Care
Dental care is not fully covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unless a veteran is 100% disabled or was a prisoner of war. Because of these strict requirements, there are still thousands of homeless veterans who have no access to basic oral care or even tools to maintain oral hygiene. Because of this, many suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and various oral infections.
With poor oral hygiene from lack of access and affordability, this makes it harder to find a job. Without being able to have a stable income, it makes it even harder for veterans to be able to receive the care that they need.
Programs Reaching Out
Despite the struggles that veterans face regarding their oral healthcare, we still see that there are other various sources and networks reaching out to help
The VA Homeless Veterans Dental Program provides partial care depending on the health and current diagnoses of a veteran
Stand Down Events across the country is a group of volunteers who come together to help veterans be given food, clothing, and health screenings, as well as referrals to housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling
Nonprofit organizations like Homeless Not Toothless is a great source for homeless and unsheltered individuals to have oral care they desperately require
Why This Matters
Despite the major political divide in our country, one thing should be very clear; we need to treat our veterans when they return home. As these men and women help protect us from potential threats around the world, they deserve to be treated with the proper care they deserve upon returning home. Similar to post World War II, we should strive as a country to help our veterans return to their feet by offering more access to services including oral and dental healthcare. Dental care should not be a privilege, it should be a right to every American and especially those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
Resources To Reach Out
Homeless Not Toothless
https://www.homelessnottoothless.org/
Stand Down Events
https://www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp
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