 In 2021, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services founded the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN) through a pilot grant from Northeast Delta Dental. The original $35,000 grant and subsequent partnership with Northeast Delta Dental, participating dental clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers provided dental services to Maine’s veterans who otherwise could not afford them. Since its inception, the goal of the MVDN program is for veterans to become established patients with a community dentist. Northeast Delta Dental followed up its pilot grant with another $300,000 donation to the program in 2021 and 2022. The Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation also donated $30,000 in 2023 and the Network’s services have since been expanded through the addition of Maine’s dental teaching schools. The MVDN program provides a yearly grant to those veterans who qualify. Eligible veterans who submit their completed application will be connected with a dental clinic in their county that will schedule an appointment for them. The program is on a first come, first served basis until funding in the veteran’s county has been exhausted; and it is not meant to supplement existing dental insurance. For more information about the program, visit the Bureau’s website. Those looking to apply for the program can access the application page here. |
