HARTFORD, Vt. (WCAX) — The White River Junction VA Medical Center hosted veterans and their families Saturday, to learn about available health care options — and to get a first look at a new mobile dentistry unit.
The VA showed off the mobile dentistry van at the event, which also included information on disability claims and other support options for veterans and their families.
Federal funding provided through the Elizabeth Dole Act (H.R. 8371), a bipartisan bill passed by Congress, is supporting the two-year pilot program. The mobile unit is the only one of its kind in the country, according to officials..
Christine LaMarre, assistant under secretary for health for dentistry with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, said Vermont was selected in part because of a significant gap in services.
“We had to consider certain factors and one of those factors was a state without a VA dental clinic,” LaMarre said. “Vermont is the only state without a VA dental clinic.”
LaMarre said the van, which is equipped with multiple chairs and oral health equipment, is currently stationed at the Hartford-based hospital. She said the VA hopes to begin seeing patients within the coming months.
“This just opens up access to care,” LaMarre said. “As we know, oral health is important to your whole health and that’s what we want for veterans.”
Vietnam veteran David Peirce and his wife, Lori, both of Randolph, were among dozens who attended the event Saturday.
“The reaction people have today to veterans is absolutely amazing and the support is unbelievable,” David Peirce said.
Lori Peirce said the mobile unit addresses a real need in the region.
“In a rural area like we live in, there are fewer dentists all the time,” she said.
David Peirce said the van could be especially valuable for veterans with limited mobility.
“Bring the dentistry out to people who may not be mobile enough to get to a dentist office,” he said.
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