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Veteran Focused Publications

State Profiles

Veterans cannot be healthy without oral health. Veterans bear a disproportionate burden of disease and disability as a result of their military service. Across the country, more than 85% of Veteran Health Administration (VHA) enrollees are not eligible for dental care coverage. That means roughly 7.6 million veterans who are eligible for other primary care through the VHA aren’t getting dental care. Inadequate dental care is costly and painful — particularly when poor oral health is accompanied by chronic disease conditions like heart disease or diabetes. These profiles provide data that describe what oral health looks like for veterans by state, highlight additional health indicators by age and rurality, and compare veterans living in each state to veterans nationally. They can be paired with the data dashboard and research publications for additional insights into veteran oral health and well-being. Click here for technical information.

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Publication Gallery

AIDPH’s Most Recent Issue Brief Detailing Pregnant Veterans and Oral Health: 

(Nov 2025)

Women are the fastest-growing cohort of veterans who use Department of Veterans Affairs services. The VA currently provides health care to approximately 600,000 women—half of whom are of childbearing age. Since 2014, pregnancies in women veterans using VA care have increased by more than 80%. Organizations like Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars are prioritizing integrated healthcare for all veterans, especially those who have a history of toxic exposure. Click the image above to read the full brief.

Showcase: Other Sources for Veteran Data

"If I pay for this, I’m positive I’d end up homeless. As it is, I barely can afford food. I never go anywhere except to VA appointments. It’s a two hour drive and gas isn’t cheap."

– 71-year-old retired Army Veteran from Delaware who has undergone chemo treatment and lost the majority of her teeth as a result.