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Expanded Dental Care for Veterans and Workforce Support Programs

This bill aims to significantly expand access to dental care for all veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system. It introduces a phased expansion of services, oral health education programs, and initiatives to ensure sufficient dental staff, with the goal of improving veterans' health and quality of life.
Key points
All veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system will gain access to comprehensive dental care, regardless of previous eligibility restrictions.
Implementation of an educational program promoting oral health among veterans, covering the link between dental health and overall well-being, proper hygiene, and available treatment options.
Establishment of a student loan repayment program for dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons who commit to working in VA dental clinics for at least five years.
Requirement for each state to have a Department of Veterans Affairs dental clinic to increase nationwide access to services.
Introduction of a phased approach to expanding dental care, including testing mobile clinics and home-based dental care for veterans in rural areas.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_3017
Sponsor: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Process start date: 2021-10-20
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_3017.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-10-20.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • All veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system will gain access to comprehensive dental care, regardless of previous eligibility restrictions.
  • Implementation of an educational program promoting oral health among veterans, covering the link between dental health and overall well-being, proper hygiene, and available treatment options.
  • Establishment of a student loan repayment program for dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons who commit to working in VA dental clinics for at least five years.
  • Requirement for each state to have a Department of Veterans Affairs dental clinic to increase nationwide access to services.
  • Introduction of a phased approach to expanding dental care, including testing mobile clinics and home-based dental care for veterans in rural areas.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits