Veterans Oral Health

American Flag and text, veterans oral health

Veterans Oral Health

Many veterans face barriers to good oral health. Barriers can include not having dental insurance or money to pay for dental services, transportation for appointments, and a dentist able to see them. Poor oral health impacts overall health.

A report from the CareQuest Institute and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) found that two out of three veterans struggle with oral health. More than 85 percent of all US veterans do not have dental insurance. The lack of dental coverage for veterans causes higher rates of gum disease, missing teeth, filled teeth and other oral health problems. Veterans are more likely to have chronic health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure that are linked to poor oral health. Health and dental problems can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs.

Veteran Data

US Veterans Data
  • About 19 million veterans live in the United States, which is about 6 percent of the total population.
  • 42 percent of veterans reported having gum treatment or bone loss around their teeth.
  • Roughly 2 out of 5 veterans described their oral health as fair to poor.
  • Nearly 1 out of 4 veterans (24%) live in rural areas, where there are not many dentists. This makes it more difficult to receive oral health care.
Missouri Veterans Data
  • 85 percent of Missouri veterans may not have dental insurance.
  • 413,742 Missourians are veterans, which is about 8.6 percent of the population.
  • 13.1 percent of Missouri’s veterans live in a rural area.  Pulaski, Johnson and Carter Counties have the highest veteran populations in Missouri.
  • 11 percent of veterans have lost all their natural teeth.
  • 17 percent of veterans have heart disease.
  • 20 percent of veterans have diabetes.
  • Visit Missouri Datasheet for more information on the status of oral health in Missouri’s Veterans.
Barriers to Care Veterans experience many barriers to accessing dental care.
  • Access to care barriers
    • All of Missouri is considered a dental health professional shortage area (DHPSA), which means there are not enough dentists or hygienists to provide care.
    • Lack of dental insurance coverage through the Veterans Administration (VA).
    • Difficulties in navigating the health care system.
  • Social factors that may impact good oral health care:
    • Lack of housing.
    • Limited access to transportation.
    • Mental health (e.g., PTSD) or physical disabilities.
    • Living in a rural setting.
    • Lack of family support.

Dental Clinics for Veterans – Free or Reduced Cost

  • A.T. Still University, MO School of Dentistry and Oral Health, St. Louis Dental Center, visit website for more information. Schedule an appointment online or call 314-833-2758. Clinic is located at 1500 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO.
  • Elks Mobile Dental Van, statewide, call 816-404-6904 for information and locations, and to schedule an appointment.
  • Donated Dental Services, apply online. Veterans must be ONE of the following: over 65 years old, permanently disabled or need medically necessary dental care.
  • Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic, schedule an appointment online or call 573-621-2793. The next clinic is October 9 – 11, 2025. Clinic is located at 18555 Lighthouse Drive, Dexter, Missouri. Only extractions are provided. Anyone that has transportation to and from Dexter is welcome to make an appointment. See the video for more information on the clinic.
  • Rural Parish Clinic – Dental Van - Archdiocese of St. Louis, schedule an appointment online.
  • St. Louis Community College, Dental Clinic, for more information visit clinic website, or call 314-644-9331. Call to schedule an appointment. The clinic is located at 5600 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. There is no charge for Veterans with valid ID. The clinic is closed when the college is closed.
  • Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), Dental Hygiene Clinic, call 417-625-9711 or 417-625-9709 for information and to schedule an appointment. The clinic is in Joplin, Missouri. The clinic is closed when the MSSU campus is closed.
  • Concorde Career College, Dental Hygiene Program call 816-595-2079 for information or schedule an appointment. The clinic is located at 930 Carondelet Drive, St. Joseph Medical Center Building C, Kansas City, Missouri. Oral exams, dental cleanings, x-rays and other services are provided. No charge for veterans and children.
  • Locate Low-Cost Dental Services, provides additional information and links to help you find a dental clinic in your area.

VA Dental Insurance and Benefits for Veterans

Resources for Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line
DIAL 988 then PRESS 1
or Text 838255
24/7, confidential crisis support
for Veterans, service members, and their loved ones at no fee.
Also chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.