Homeless Veterans Dental Program

Homeless Veterans Dental Program

Department of Veterans Affairs
Homeless Veterans Dental Program
10770 N. 46th Street, Suite A-300
Tampa, FL 33617

Contacts:   Dr. Elizabeth Nuñez, Director
                  Ms. Carol Yakimo, Assistant Director

The mission of the Homeless Veterans Dental Program is to increase the accessibility of quality dental care to homeless veteran patients and to help assure success in VA-sponsored and VA partnership homeless rehabilitation programs throughout the United States.

The Homeless Veterans Dental Program was established by VA in 1992. The program is funded through the Office of Dentistry and located at the Tampa VAMC.

The dental needs of homeless veterans are well-documented. In surveys listing and ranking the 10 highest unmet needs for homeless veterans, dental care was consistently ranked by homeless veterans as one of their top three unmet needs, along with long-term permanent housing and child care. Dental problems, such as pain and/or missing teeth, can be tremendous barriers in seeking and obtaining employment. Studies have shown that after dental care, veterans report significant improvement in perceived oral health, general health and overall self-esteem, thus, supporting the notion that dental care is an important aspect of the overall concept of homeless rehabilitation.

There is some limited dental eligibility for homeless veterans who are in certain VA-sponsored rehabilitation programs. VHA Directive 2007-039 outlines eligibility for these groups in detail. VA's goal is to facilitate a process in which the intent of this directive is carried out and to assist veterans in these programs in re-entering society as productive, self-sufficient people.

Those wishing to obtain information regarding the homeless dental program in their area should contact their nearest VA homeless coordinator.