Dental benefits are provided by the VA according to law. In some instances, VA is authorized to provide extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment may be limited.
Outpatient Dental Program
The eligibility for outpatient dental care is not the same as for most other VA medical benefits and is categorized into classes. Check out the table below to see if you are eligible, and what services you may receive.
| If you | You are eligible for |
|---|---|
| Have a service-connected compensable dental disability or condition | Any needed dental care |
| Apply for dental care within 180 days of discharge or release (under conditions other than dishonorable) from at least 90 days active duty. | One-time dental care if your DD214 certificate of discharge does not indicate that a complete dental examination and all appropriate dental treatment had been rendered prior to discharge. |
| Have a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability resulting from combat wounds or service trauma. | Any dental care necessary to provide and maintain functioning teeth. A Dental Trauma Rating or VA Regional Office Rating Decision letter is required. |
| Are an enrolled veteran who may be homeless and receiving care. | A one-time course of dental care to relieve pain, assist you to gain employment, or treat moderate, severe, or complicated and severe dental conditions |
| Are a former POW | Any needed dental care |
| Have a dental condition clinically determined by VA to be associated with and aggravating a service-connected medical condition | Dental care to treat those conditions. |
| Have service-connected disabilities rated 100%, or are unemployable and paid at the 100% rate due to service connected conditions. | Any needed dental care. |
| Are enrolled in a Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation program. |
Dental care to the extent necessary as determined by a VA dentist. |
| Are receiving VA care or are scheduled for inpatient care and require dental care for a condition complicating a medical condition currently under treatment. | Dental care to treat those conditions. |
Inpatient Dental Program
Veterans receiving hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care will be provided any essential dental services as determined by a VA dentist.
For More Information
See the VA Dentistry page for details.
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