Colorado Veteran Oral Health
Improving the Oral Health of Aging Veterans in Colorado
Veterans experience a disproportionate burden of disease and disability compared to nonveterans. Chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, which most significantly influence oral health outcomes, are more prevalent among veterans. Poor physical health, chronic disease burden, and low dental care utilization are more prevalent among veterans living in rural areas, making chronic disease and rurality critical indicators for evaluation.
Nationally, roughly 70% of veterans are aged 50 and over. With this age group representing the majority of veterans, it is important to understand the oral health and well-being of veterans aging in Colorado.
Strategic Improvements for Colorado Veterans
Aging veterans in Colorado experience poorer oral health outcomes, particularly among those living in rural areas, compared to nonveterans and the broader Colorado population. Funded by the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, “The Oral Health and Wellbeing of Aging Colorado Veterans” highlights outcomes, access, and actions for aging Colorado veterans using a stakeholder-driven framework.
This report provides a snapshot of how aging veterans perceive their oral health and physical health, utilize dental services, and experience barriers to optimal oral health outcomes. By examining existing disparities, identifying strengths, and pinpointing challenges within the system, this report provides a roadmap for Colorado stakeholders to activate on improving the quality of life for aging veterans.
Colorado Oral Health Disparities Data for Aging Veterans
Colorado veterans across all age categories were more likely to have tooth loss, the most profound negative oral health outcome. Veterans aged 65 and older had the most significant tooth loss. Veterans aged 50 and older had the most negative perception of their gums and teeth compared to other age categories. Veterans reported having dental insurance coverage more frequently than nonveterans, but dental care coverage did decrease for both veterans and nonveterans at age 65 and older.
Colorado veterans were less likely to report having a dental visit in the last year and more likely to report not having a dental visit in more than five years. Veterans and nonveterans both reported delaying care due to cost in similar frequencies, but the percentage decreased across all groups as age increased. Rural Colorado veterans struggle with accessing care, and oral health outcomes get worse as they age. Shockingly, 21% of rural Colorado veterans have lost all of their natural teeth.
%
of rural Colorado veterans have lost all of their natural teeth.
%
of Colorado veterans aged 65+ haven't visited a dentist in the last five years
%
of Colorado veterans aged 50+ rated their oral health as fair or poor
Ready to Get Involved? Engage with Colorado Organizations
Join the Colorado Oral Health Coalition and their network of oral health stakeholders advocating for a healthier Colorado.
View more data on Colorado health using the Colorado Health Access Survey hosted by the Colorado Health Institute.
Contact Dental Lifeline Network if you know a Colorado veteran in need of dental care and can’t afford it.
This work is supported by grant funding from the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. AIDPH is grateful for their generous support.