Maine Veterans’ Dental Network Pilots Mobile Dental Clinic in Machias

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is pleased to announce the addition of Mainely Teeth to the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN) as part of the Bureau’s effort to provide expanded dental services across the state.

Beginning in Machias on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd the Mainely Teeth mobile dental unit will offer a three-day clinic at the Machias Veterans’ Home located at 32 Veterans Way. Veterans residing at the Maine Veterans’ Home will receive care on the 20th followed by two days of services by appointment only, with only 12 appointment slots available veterans in surrounding communities are encouraged to register early. The mobile dental unit will return in April and June to provide follow-up care for those veterans who require additional services.

The MVDN was founded in 2020 and is sponsored by a generous Northeast Delta Dental grant and the program is run on a first come, first serve basis until the grant funding is depleted.

To qualify for the MVDN, the veteran must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Maine resident.
• Not 100% service-connected to the VA (meaning they don’t already receive dental care through Togus or the Bangor or Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinics) or meet a very specific criteria determined by the VA that makes veterans eligible to receive dental care, e.g., former P.O.W., currently enrolled in a homeless veterans’ program, etc.
• Cannot afford to pay for dental care out of pocket.
• Does not have dental insurance. (Please do not request connection to this program if you are not satisfied with the level of coverage your dental insurance provides).
• Must submit a DD-214 that shows an Honorable or General Under Honorable conditions discharge.
• For National Guard Only – Served on Active Duty (other than for training).

  Dental services provided include preventative, diagnostic, restorative, oral surgery, and major restorative. The grant does not cover the following services: dental implants, orthodontics, fixed bridges, telehealth, and PPE charges.

  After a preliminary examination and cleaning, the dentist will discuss a dental plan and associated cost with the veteran in advance to see if they want to pursue further treatment. If the dental care exceeds the scope of the grant, the veteran is financially responsible for the remainder of the bill if they decide to follow the recommended dental plan.

  Veterans can pre-register for this event by using the MVDN online application – https://tinyurl.com/4hmwfxxm, by emailing the Bureau at MVDN.mainebvs@maine.gov or calling 207-287-6836.