Adopt a Veteran, Save a Life
In 2025, the AzDA Cares Foundation is launching a new initiative to promote Arizona veterans’ oral health—the GI Bill Smiles Adopt-A-Vet program. This program addresses a critical community need for increased access to oral healthcare for veterans. Though the Veterans Affairs healthcare system offers comprehensive benefits to qualifying veterans, a veteran must have service-connected dental issues to qualify for coverage. According to the American Dental Association, this leaves approximately 85% of veterans without VA dental benefits—a significant barrier to accessing necessary care.
Oral health is critical to overall health and well-being, and AzDA Cares is committed to supporting the health of our veterans. In the past, we provided free dental care services at Veterans StandDown events and saw a need for programming that connects veterans to long-term oral healthcare. The GI Bill Smiles Adopt-A-Vet program will connect Arizona veterans year-round with free continuing oral healthcare by:
- Identifying Need: We will partner with community colleges to reach veterans in need of care.
- Matching Veterans to Local Dentists: We will coordinate with local dental practices to volunteer their time and skills to provide free treatment and match veterans statewide to dentists in their area.
- Financial Support: The AzDA Cares Foundation volunteers will provide vouchers to cover some of the lab costs associated with their care.
AzDA Cares Foundation aims to serve 200 veterans in 2025, connecting them to dental
professionals dedicated to supporting their needs. By helping veterans access oral healthcare,
we are working to keep their smiles healthy and bright, improving the quality of life for those who
have served our nation and honoring their sacrifice.