Veterans Dental Grant Program

Program Status: Active and ongoing; continued in 2026 with renewed legislative funding

Geographic Scope: Florida statewide. Coverage currently provided in 65+ counties including Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

Purpose: To provide essential dental care services to eligible Florida veterans who lack adequate VA dental coverage. Addresses the gap in dental care services for veterans not fully covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligible Applicants:

• Organization Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Florida
• Requirements:
  • Dedicated to serving Florida's veterans
  • Proven track record of serving veterans
  • Demonstrated clear need for funding to support dental services
  • Ability to facilitate dental care services including dental maintenance, disease elimination, diagnostics, and dental hygiene
  • Must coordinate with Florida Dental Association, VA, and other pertinent organizations to assess veteran dental needs in their geographic area
  • Capacity to manage grant funds and reporting requirements

Veteran Eligibility (for services):

• Must be a Florida resident
• Must have served in U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard
• Must have been issued a DD-214, NGB 22, or Certificate of Discharge
• Must be at or below 300% Federal Poverty Level at time of application
• Must be less than 100% service-connected disabled
• Must not have direct service-connected injury impacting oral health

Funded Services:

• Routine dental exams
• Cleanings
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Dental dentures
• Specialized dental procedures
• Other necessary dental procedures

Grantee Requirements:

• Verify veteran status by reviewing DD-214, NGB 22, Military Discharge documents, or applicable VA forms
• Utilize awarded funds according to FVF-provided contract requirements
• Track and report number of veterans served and demographics
• Track program expenses
• Maintain quality assurance accountability
• Ensure HIPAA compliance and protection of veteran information via encryption and access codes
• Require veterans to complete online satisfaction surveys post-treatment
• Attempt to obtain signed consent forms for testimonials before treatment

Contact Information:

• Email: fvf@fdva.fl.gov
• Phone: 850-488-4181
• Website: www.helpflvets.org
• Dental Program Page: https://www.helpflvets.org/dentalprogram

Background:

• Funded by Florida Legislature appropriation ($1 million for initial launch)
• Launched April 17, 2025
• First grant awarded to Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) in May 2025
• Continued in 2026 with renewed legislative funding and Governor Ron DeSantis approval
• Managed by FVF in partnership with 501(c)(3) organizations statewide

Application Process for Veterans Dental Grant Program

1. Visit the Application Page: Go to https://www.helpflvets.org/dentalprogram
2. Complete Online Application Form with the following information:
   • Organization's Legal Name
   • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
   • Contact Person First Name
   • Contact Person Last Name
   • Contact Person Email Address
   • Contact Person Phone Number
   • Organization Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)
   • How you heard about the program
3. Submit the Form: Click "Apply Now" to submit
4. Receive Application Packet: After submission, a complete application packet will be sent to the contact person listed in the form
5. Meet Deadline: Submit completed application by the deadline set in the fiscal year when the Florida Legislature awards grant funding (specific dates vary by funding cycle)
6. Evaluation Process: FVF will evaluate submitted applications and announce awardees and service areas covered

Required Materials/Documentation:

• Proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• Evidence of track record serving veterans
• Demonstration of need for dental care funding
• Proof of capacity to deliver dental services
• Documentation of partnerships with dental providers
• Workplan showing how organization will administer the program

Application Notes:

• The application form may be closed during evaluation periods
• If service area gaps exist, FVF may reopen the application for specific regions
• Organizations should be prepared to demonstrate coordination capability with Florida Dental Association and VA
• Contact fvf@fdva.fl.gov for more information or questions about the application process