By Monica Maxwell – Paralegal
The Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2013 was introduced to congress on October 28, 2013. If passed, it could have a positive impact on veterans who do not have access to dental care. Including veterans like Jim Wolf.
The video of Jim Wolf’s physical transformation was posted on YouTube November 6th, and within 2 weeks it had over 15,000,000 views. Many have called the transformation a stunning example of the power that physical appearance has on a person’s self esteem and worth. But there was one thing the makeover team could not transform. Jim Wolf’s brief smile toward the end of the video shows the result of years of neglected dental care. Even in a designer suit, his smile will have an impact on his job prospects.
Dental care is not usually a priority for some homeless. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, it is estimated that one out of every four homeless adults are veterans. Mental illness and physical disabilities are contributed to the large number of homeless veterans. Lack of resources and awareness is another contributing factor.
The Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2013 proposes the launch of a one year pilot program offering dental care to veterans. This bill is designed to determine whether it is plausible to offer dental care to veterans that cannot otherwise afford it. If passed, 16 programs will be launched throughout the country offering dental care. In addition to dental care, veterans will also receive education about proper dental care, and how dental health affects physical health and wellbeing.
The Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act has the potential of offering a valuable resource to the people who have served our county.
Arthur Paul D’Egidio is the Managing Partner of DP Injury Attorneys, a San Diego personal injury law firm. With more than 12 years of experience in California injury law, he has dedicated his practice to representing clients in a wide range of personal injury matters, including car accidents, workers’ compensation, slip and falls, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases.
Arthur received his Juris Doctor from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law and is a member of the State Bar of California as well as the San Diego County Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named a Super Lawyer for seven straight years by Thomson Reuters and a “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers.
