VETSmile Partnership Expanding Access for Veterans

Philadelphia — Penn Dental Medicine is expanding its reach to Veterans in need of a dental care home through a new partnership with the VETSmile program, developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Care and Payment Innovation (CCPI). VETSmile collaborates with community dental care partners to advance continuous and comprehensive oral health care services for VA-enrolled Veterans who are ineligible to receive VA dental care services.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with VETSmile to expand care for Veterans,” says Dr. Bruce Brandolin, Assistant Dean of Intramural and Extramural Partnerships. “Through CCPI’s outreach, we hope more area Veterans will find a dental care home with us.”

Veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system as well as Veterans not eligible to receive dental services through the VA are eligible for care at the School. The program rollout launched at Penn Dental Medicine in February and the School anticipates approximately 100 referrals a month through the VETSmile program. Protocols have been put in place to streamline the appointment process for individuals referred through the program, including special phone lines specific to the program (215-746-4665 or 215-898-4064). Referred Veterans will receive an initial 20-30% discount followed by a sliding scale fee schedule.

Penn Dental Medicine is the fourth dental care provider to partner with the VETSmile program, with the CCPI working to expand its partnership with institutions nationwide.

Penn Dental Medicine has been building its outreach to Veterans over the past several years, holding a Veterans Fair annually that includes free oral screenings and assistance in getting the dental care they need at the School.