PENSACOLA, Fla. — A new initiative aimed at improving dental care access for veterans in Florida has been approved. The Florida Veterans Dental Care grant program, which allocates $1 million in funding, was officially endorsed by state officials.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis helped lead the approval process for the program, which was passed unanimously by the state governor and cabinet. The approval includes the publication and final adoption of the program’s rules, which will support veteran dental services across the state.
For veterans like Jamie Wells, a retired service member with 24 years of active duty, the new program is a much-needed development. “Any funding or expansion at the VA is a win for veterans,” Wells said. “We have one of the largest military populations in the panhandle, but for every veteran in our area who needs dental care, there’s only one dentist available.”
Wells noted the high demand for dental care in the region, with veterans waiting months for appointments. “Everyone wants to see her,” Wells said of the local dentist. “The people who have seen her speak highly of her, but getting an appointment is like winning the lottery.”
John Hills, another local veteran, echoed Wells’ concerns. “It puts a big strain on us. There are over 36,000 veterans in Pensacola alone,” he said. “That doesn’t even include those from Santa Rosa or Okaloosa counties who come here for care.”
Hills recently experienced the challenges of booking a dental appointment at the VA. “I just went to book an appointment, and it’s five months out. They’re sending me to community care elsewhere,” he said.
For many veterans, delays in dental care can lead to serious health issues. “If you don’t take care of your dental needs, it can lead to gum problems or jaw issues,” Wells explained. “Dental problems can affect your smile, your confidence, and even lead to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.”
While veterans acknowledge the efforts of VA staff, they also point to significant barriers in accessing care. “The staff at the VA does a great job, but the problem is they don’t have enough funding, equipment, or personnel to meet the needs,” Wells said.
Wells believes the new grant program will make a critical difference. “Any expansion in dental care is essential,” he said. “The people who defend our country represent less than 1.5% of the population, so we should be able to provide them with the care they deserve.”
The Florida Veterans Dental Care Grant Program aims to address these gaps and improve dental services for veterans across the state, ensuring they receive the care they need.
