CareQuest Institute Targets Veterans’ Dental Care Gap with National Campaign
Event summary
- CareQuest Institute launched a national campaign on June 30, 2026, to address veterans’ oral health disparities.
- The campaign features a video with veteran testimonies and a report highlighting access gaps in dental care for veterans.
- Only 1 in 3 eligible veterans use their dental benefits annually, contributing to higher rates of untreated oral disease.
- A coalition of 19 organizations across various sectors supports the initiative.
The big picture
The campaign underscores a critical gap in healthcare access for veterans, where only 25% of eligible individuals receive dental coverage. This initiative aligns with broader trends in public health advocacy, aiming to integrate oral health into comprehensive care systems. The involvement of academic and policy-focused organizations suggests a strategic push for systemic change rather than incremental improvements.
What we're watching
- Policy Influence
- Whether the campaign can drive legislative changes to expand dental coverage for all veterans.
- Coalition Effectiveness
- The pace at which the coalition of 19 organizations can mobilize support and resources.
- Impact Measurement
- How CareQuest Institute will track and report on improvements in veterans’ oral health outcomes.