Innovative dental treatments advancing Veteran care
The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding access to cutting-edge dental treatments at its facilities, including laser therapy for gum disease and custom-designed dental implants that offer new options for veterans who previously had limited choices. These innovations are being implemented at facilities like the Margaret Cochran Corbin VA, where dental residents receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art procedures while treating veterans with complex dental needs.
VA dental care has historically been more limited than medical benefits, with eligibility typically restricted to veterans with service-connected dental conditions, those rated 100 percent disabled, former prisoners of war, and certain other specific categories. For veterans who do qualify, however, the quality and scope of available treatments has expanded significantly in recent years. The new technologies being adopted represent a substantial upgrade from conventional approaches, particularly for veterans dealing with severe dental problems that developed during or after service.
The laser therapy now in routine use at VA dental facilities offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional periodontal surgery. According to Dr. Trevor Simmonds, Assistant Chief of Dentistry, the laser treatment eliminates the need for cutting and stitching gum tissue, reduces bleeding and anxiety, and provides particular benefits for veterans with complex medical conditions. This approach represents what Simmonds called "a breakthrough in treating periodontal disease," making procedures more comfortable and recovery faster for patients who might otherwise face more invasive surgical interventions.
Another significant advancement is the custom subperiosteal implant technique, which has been approved in the United States within the last few years. Dr. Gary Orentlicher, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, explained that this digitally designed, patient-specific procedure offers solutions for veterans who lack sufficient bone structure for traditional implants—a common problem among older veterans. The facility has used this technique in 14 cases, primarily for veterans 60 or older, with most patients receiving temporary teeth on the day of surgery and returning later for permanent restorations. Army Vietnam Veteran Anthony DiPrima, who lost all his teeth at 19 and avoided smiling for decades, described his experience with dental implants as life-changing, saying "The last year has been fantastic. It used to be very hard smiling, and now, I'm the life of the party!"
For disabled veterans, improved dental care directly impacts quality of life, nutrition, overall health, and social confidence. Dental problems can exacerbate other service-connected conditions, affect mental health, and limit employment opportunities. The expansion of advanced dental technologies at VA facilities means that eligible veterans now have access to procedures that might otherwise cost tens of thousands of dollars in the private sector. Marine Vietnam Veteran Thomas Mundy, a VA patient since 1968, emphasized that the new technology made his procedures more comfortable and nearly pain-free.
Veterans who believe they may qualify for VA dental benefits should contact their local VA dental clinic or call the VA health benefits hotline to discuss eligibility. Those already enrolled in VA dental care should ask their providers about whether these newer treatment options might be appropriate for their specific conditions. Veterans experiencing dental problems that affect their service-connected disabilities should also consider whether a claim for increased compensation might be warranted, potentially with assistance from a veterans service organization.