OVERVIEW

Addressing Veterans’ Oral Healthcare Needs is organized by Partners HealthCare Office of Continuing Professional Development.

Course opens: 05/18/2021
Course expires: 05/18/2022

Target Audience:
This activity is intended for oral health professionals (dentists and dental hygienist) and healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and home health providers).

Overview:
The “Addressing Veterans’ Oral Health Needs” webinar is the first in the nation to solely focus on veterans’ access to dental care and is the result of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services six-months needs assessment, “Oral Health Access for Maine’s Veterans.” This webinar provides the learner with background information on: VA Eligibility, Becoming a VA Community Care Network Provider, Connection to Services, and Trauma Informed Care. The webinar explains how veterans’ health needs often differ from the civilian population and the benefits of utilizing a trauma informed approach in your practice with all patients, especially veterans, who may be living with the silent wounds of war (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Military Sexual Trauma, and/or Traumatic Brain Injury). The webinar details available oral health resources for veterans throughout the State of Maine who are not 100% service-connected to the VA, can’t afford dental insurance, or to pay for services out of pocket. This webinar is intended for all dental and medical professionals who have veteran patients and want to ensure they receive best practices treatment and access to services in their community.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of veterans’ issues and the barriers they may encounter accessing dental care.
• Cite/recognize services available for veterans through connection to the VA Maine Healthcare System and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services.
• Recognize the importance of trauma-informed care for all patients, especially veterans.