How VETSmile Works
VETSmile Connects Veterans to Community Dentists
VETSmile connects Veterans to community dental care partners (DCPs), such as federally
qualified health centers (FQHC) and dental schools with the goal of establishing a dental
home to improve oral health management.
DCPs may provide discounted services, and eligible Veterans will receive a letter or email
notification about participating DCPs in their community. VHA does not reimburse the cost of
dental care; the program helps facilitate access to dental care for Veterans. DCPs are not
required to offer further discounts to VETSmile patients.
The graphic below depicts two ways that VETSmile supports Veterans in accessing
community-based dental care with one of our DCPs.
* Eligible Veterans enter the VETSmile pilot program through either a cohort model
or referral model.
VETSmile Veteran Journey Map
Cohort Model
Center for Care and Payment Innovation selects and notifies eligible Veterans by mail or email
Veteran contacts the DCP to schedule the appointment
Referral Model
VA Medical Center staff refers eligible Veterans to a dental care partner (DCP)
DCP contacts the Veteran to schedule an appointment
At the dental office, the Veteran completes DCP intake paperwork
Veteran receives their dental treatment, plan of care, and oral health education
Veteran returns to the DCP for their routine care and continues their oral health management
DCP submits VETSmile patient data to CCPI on a monthly basis
Goals
The goals of the VETSmile program are to
Expand Veteran access to dental care with an emphasis on establishing a dental home to improve oral health management.
Expand Veteran access to dental care with an emphasis on establishing a dental home to improve oral health management. Improve community oral health accessibility and awareness through coordinated outreach and collaboration with DCPs, VA referral providers and surrounding Veteran groups.
Enhance the overall health and well-being of Veterans.
ABOUT CCPI
Authorized by Section 152 of the MISSION Act of 2018, the Center for Care and Payment Innovation (CCPI) plays a critical role in ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) maximizes the quality of care while balancing costs – known as high-value health care – and delivers needed services to Veterans. CCPI works with partners across government and the health care industry to develop and test innovative approaches to Veteran care across a wide range of service areas.
VETSmile is the first CCPI pilot program submitted to Congress under this authority.