Elevating Veterans’ Oral Health in Florida: AAE Endorses S.B. 96

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is proud to support Florida Senate Bill 96 (SB 96), that would transform access to dental care for veterans. This legislation, introduced by Senator Sharief, creates the Veterans Dental Care Program within the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs—a program designed to put comprehensive, high-quality oral health services within reach for the men and women who have served our country.

Many veterans suffer in silence from untreated oral diseases, pain, and complications that affect their overall health. SB 96 aims to change this by ensuring that veterans have access to preventive, restorative, endodontic, and prosthodontic services. These services will be available through trusted community health centers, nonprofit clinics, dental schools, and even mobile dental units that provide care directly to underserved areas.

Endodontists understand the significant impact that timely and specialized care can have. Root canal therapy and other treatments not only save teeth but also help stop infections, prevent serious complications, and protect overall health. For veterans living with diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, having access to these services can be life changing. By advancing SB 96, lawmakers are opening the door for veterans to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, while also recognizing the importance of oral health as a key component of overall well-being.

AAE is proud to take the lead on this issue, and we urge Florida lawmakers to act swiftly. Supporting SB 96 means honoring our veterans with the care they deserve, enabling dental professionals to perform at their best, and demonstrating to the nation what genuine commitment to oral health equity looks like.