VA Community Care Dental: How Eligible Veterans Can See a Dentist in Temple, TX
Long wait times at VA dental clinics can make it hard for veterans to get timely care. The VA Community Care program helps by allowing eligible veterans to receive VA-authorized care from approved providers in their own community. Care Dental Spa is proud to partner with VA Care in the Community, and our owner, Dr. Quang Luong, is a U.S. Army veteran himself.
This guide explains how VA Community Care for dental works, who may qualify and how to get started with a dentist in Temple, TX.
What is VA Community Care?
VA Community Care is a Department of Veterans Affairs program that lets eligible veterans receive care from providers outside VA facilities when certain conditions are met, for example when the VA cannot provide the care in a timely way or within a reasonable distance. The care is authorized and paid for by the VA, as long as the veteran is eligible and the care has been approved before treatment.
Who is eligible for VA dental care?
Not every veteran enrolled in VA health care is automatically eligible for VA dental benefits. Dental eligibility depends on factors set by the VA, such as:
- Having a service-connected dental condition or disability
- Your VA disability rating
- Former prisoner of war status
- Participation in certain VA rehabilitation programs
- Having a dental condition that is affecting a medical condition the VA is treating
Because the rules are detailed and can change, the best way to confirm your dental eligibility is to contact your VA dental clinic or VA health care team directly. For veterans in Central Texas, that is often the dental service at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Veterans who are not eligible for VA dental benefits may be able to purchase coverage through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). Ask the VA for details on how it works.
How to see a community dentist through the VA
- Confirm your eligibility for VA dental care with your VA dental clinic.
- Ask about a Community Care referral. If you are eligible and the VA cannot see you in a timely way, ask whether you can be referred to a community provider.
- Choose your provider. Let the VA know you would like to be seen at Care Dental Spa in Temple, TX.
- Wait for authorization. The VA must approve the referral before treatment. Treatment received without authorization may not be covered.
- Schedule your visit. Once the referral is approved, call us and we will help you get on the schedule.
One of our patients, who travels from Waco, shared that requesting a Community Care referral to our office helped him get care much sooner than the VA waiting list allowed.
Dental care for active duty, military families and every veteran
Even if you are not eligible for VA dental benefits, our door is open. We welcome VA patients, active-duty service members and military dependents, including families connected with nearby Fort Cavazos. Our team can help you understand your options, including insurance, financing such as CareCredit and Sunbit, and other ways to make care affordable.
Care that understands service
Dr. Luong served as a dentist in the U.S. Army, where he saw firsthand the dental challenges many service members face, and the fear and anxiety some carry into the dental chair. That experience shapes how he cares for every patient today. For veterans who feel anxious about treatment, he offers IV sedation so care can feel calm and stress-free.
Our team provides a full range of care, including:
- Cleanings and exams and gum disease treatment
- Fillings, crowns and root canal therapy
- Extractions and wisdom teeth removal
- Dentures, bridges and dental implant restorations
- Same-day emergency dental care
Learn more about our veteran-owned practice and Dr. Luong.
Schedule with a veteran-owned dentist in Temple, TX
Care Dental Spa is located at 5297 S. 31st St., #111, Temple, TX 76502. Call 254-773-0055 with any questions about VA Community Care, or request an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use VA benefits at a private dentist?
If you are eligible for VA dental care and the VA approves a Community Care referral, you can be seen by an approved community dentist. The referral must be authorized by the VA before treatment.
Are all veterans eligible for VA dental care?
No. VA dental eligibility depends on criteria such as service-connected dental conditions, disability rating and former POW status. Contact your VA dental clinic to confirm your eligibility.
Do you see military families who are not VA patients?
Yes. We welcome active-duty service members, military dependents and veterans, whether or not they use VA benefits.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for a dental exam. For advice about your own teeth, call us at 254-773-0055.
