Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
I think that the Condition of Maine and our country have a sacred obligation to get care of our veterans who’ve served our place and our condition so nicely.
But for much too very long, lots of veterans have lacked access to the health care that they require and ought to have.
That consists of access to oral health and fitness treatment, which is frequently known as a “window” into all round health, for the reason that of the critical part that dental hygiene can play in avoiding other health problems.
Perfectly, right now, less than 15 percent of veterans getting well being treatment as a result of the VA are eligible to obtain extensive dental treatment.
An investigation of CDC facts in 2021 nationwide discovered that veterans are additional probable than their civilian counterparts to encounter substantial dental difficulties. Veterans are also less likely to have visited a dentist in the last five decades when compared to the rest of the nationwide populace.
Very well which is why in 2021, I introduced the Maine Veterans’ Dental Community, in partnership with Northeast Delta Dental, and taking part dental clinics, and Federally Experienced Health and fitness Centers, to deliver dental services to Maine veterans who can not normally not manage them.
This is an initiative from the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services and Sarah Sherman in certain, and I’m so very pleased of this enterprise.
Last year, the method enabled 357 Maine veterans to obtain in depth dental companies – several of those veterans have been seeing a dentist or dental hygienist for the 1st time since they had separated from the army. But too much to handle desire on this application intended that funding was fatigued before one more 232 candidates could get the treatment they need to have.
Effectively, 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 want.
Funding is readily available on a first appear, initial serve basis for any Maine resident veteran who is not if not suitable for VA dental added benefits or who doesn’t have dental insurance coverage, and who cannot pay for to pay back for dental care out of pocket. Care is out there at 22 various spots from Biddeford to Madawaska.
Veterans who are fascinated may apply on the net by going to: Maine.gov/governor/mills/veteransdental. That’s Maine.gov/governor/mills/veteransdental.
If you do not have entry to the net, or a veteran you know does not have accessibility and desires a lot more facts, be sure to dial (207) 287-6836. That is (207) 287-6836 – throughout enterprise hrs.
I am genuinely and deeply grateful to Northeast Delta Dental and to our Maine Bureau of Veterans Products and services for their amazing organizational get the job done and generosity, that’ll make it possible for this plan to go on offering important dental expert services to veterans across the point out of Maine.
As a person who arrives from a military relatives myself, I am deeply grateful for the service and sacrifice of Maine veterans and their families. My Administration will carry on to do every little thing we can to enhance solutions and to stand by the brave adult males and gals who’ve stood by us in the past.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
