Episode 3: Veterans & Oral Health

Episode Summary

Dental health is deeply connected to overall health. It affects our ability to eat, speak, sleep, and even manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. But for many veterans, accessing consistent, affordable dental care remains out of reach. In fact, fewer than 1 in 10 veterans are eligible for dental care through the VA system. That’s not just a policy gap—it’s a public health crisis.

To help us unpack the complexity of this issue, We are honored to be joined by the President of the New Jersey Dental Association, Dr. Amit Vora. Together, we’ll explore why oral health is so vital for veterans, what VA dental benefits actually cover—and don’t—and how we, as a profession and a community, can do more to ensure those who served aren’t left behind when it comes to their health.

We’ll also talk through the real barriers veterans face, the intersection of trauma and oral health, and what a future could look like where no veteran has to suffer in silence with dental pain or untreated disease.

So whether you’re a healthcare provider, a policymaker, or just someone who cares about those who served, this episode is for you. Let’s dive into this important conversation.