Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
I believe that the State of Maine and our nation have a sacred obligation to take care of our veterans who’ve served our country and our state so well.
But for too long, many veterans have lacked access to the healthcare that they need and deserve.
That includes access to oral health care, which is often called a “window” into overall health, because of the vital role that dental hygiene can play in preventing other illnesses.
Well, today, fewer than 15 percent of veterans receiving health care through the VA are eligible to receive comprehensive dental care.
An analysis of CDC data in 2021 nationwide found that veterans are more likely than their civilian counterparts to experience significant dental issues. Veterans are also less likely to have visited a dentist in the last five years compared to the rest of the national population.
Well that’s why in 2021, I launched the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network, in partnership with Northeast Delta Dental, and participating dental clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers, to provide dental services to Maine veterans who cannot otherwise not afford them.
This is an initiative from the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services and Sarah Sherman in particular, and I’m so proud of this undertaking.
Last year, the program enabled 357 Maine veterans to access comprehensive dental services – many of those veterans were seeing a dentist or dental hygienist for the first time since they had separated from the military. But overwhelming demand on this program meant that funding was exhausted before another 232 applicants could receive the care they need.
Well, this week, I was pleased to announce that thanks to a generous $200,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental, the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network will continue its services for veterans in need.
Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis for any Maine resident veteran who is not otherwise eligible for VA dental benefits or who doesn’t have dental insurance, and who can’t afford to pay for dental care out of pocket. Care is available at 22 different locations from Biddeford to Madawaska.
Veterans who are interested may apply online by visiting: Maine.gov/governor/mills/veteransdental. That’s Maine.gov/governor/mills/veteransdental.
If you do not have access to the internet, or a veteran you know does not have access and wants more information, please dial (207) 287-6836. That’s (207) 287-6836 – during business hours.
I am truly and deeply grateful to Northeast Delta Dental and to our Maine Bureau of Veterans Services for their incredible organizational work and generosity, that’ll allow this program to continue providing vital dental services to veterans across the state of Maine.
As someone who comes from a military family myself, I am deeply grateful for the service and sacrifice of Maine veterans and their families. My Administration will continue to do everything we can to improve services and to stand by the brave men and women who’ve stood by us in the past.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.