Healthcare Access
Purpose and Target Population
This grant funded program is designed to connect veterans in need with access to oral healthcare. The goal of the program is for them to become established patients with a community dentist in our network. This program is targeted at Maine residents, who are honorably discharged veterans, and cannot afford to pay out of pocket for their dental care and do not have any form of dental insurance.
Planning and Implementation
To apply for the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN) an application must be filled out and returned with a copy of their DD Form 214 (military discharge) and their Maine driver’s license or Maine I.D. If the veteran would like to apply, please have him or her go to this link to register and upload their documents (DD Form 214 and Maine Driver’s License)
Once program eligibility is confirmed, they will receive confirmation if they are approved or denied for the program and will receive further instructions. For more information call (207-287-6836) or email MVDN.mainebvs@maine.gov.
Best Practices
The MVDN is the only program of its type in the State of Maine that provides access to oral healthcare for qualifying veterans. Currently up to a $3,000 grant per veteran is offered and the program works exclusively with non-profit dental clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and the states’ two dental teaching schools.
Challenges and Solutions
The MVDN’s start was very humble, and the program initially offered a $500 grant per veteran. Based on feedback from our participating dental clinics and recognizing that the veterans we were serving had larger dental issues, it became evident that more funding was needed and over the years the grant was increased to $600, then $1,000, and in 2026 raised it to $3,000 per veteran.
Resources and Tools
Contact
Sarah Sherman, sarah.sherman@maine.gov