ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Imagine having to blend nearly all your food just to eat — that’s the reality for some veterans with damage to their teeth.

Despite wanting to get dental work done, many don’t qualify through the VA. 

According to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, 85% of disabled veterans do not qualify for VA dental care.

“A lot of them will wear a mask because they don’t want anybody to see what their smile looks like,” Tami Martin, WVRF Director of Veterans Programs said. “Their overall health, if they have eating problems because their teeth hurt, they lose a lot of weight.” 

William Kraven is one of these veterans. 

Serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, Kraven was exposed to Agent Orange and developed cancer in 2016. 

He beat that cancer, but the radiation and chemo damaged his teeth. 

Deteriorating significantly over the years, he can’t eat anything solid and has lost 55 pounds. 

This surgery will change his life.

“I’ll be able to smile because I love to smile,” he said. “I’ll be able to eat normal, a steak.” 

Kraven needed two surgeries to remove all his teeth before he can get dentures.

He’s thrilled it’s finally happening, but said it’s taken too long to get there. 

“I’ve been trying to find out how I was going to get my teeth taken care of, for nine years now,” he said.  

This is not a surgery Kraven could afford on his own, and it’s why the WVRF is stepping in. 

In 2024 through their Critical Dental Assistance Program, they provided dental care to more than 230 veterans in Florida totaling just over $1 million.

“I went to several dentists to try and find out what it would cost,” Kraven said. “To get my teeth replaced was $53,000. I can’t afford that and I don’t know many veterans that can.” 

The WVRF has more than 300 dental partners in Florida that they work with in order to provide treatment to veterans.