The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a new dental care administrator to manage its next network of community care dental providers. The department aims to contract with a vendor capable of developing and maintaining a national network of licensed dental professionals, offering both general and specialized services as well as preventive care and pharmacy support.
The initiative is designed to improve and standardize the delivery of dental services for eligible Veterans. According to VA officials, the goal is to ensure that Veterans receive necessary preventive and restorative dental care.
VA’s community care program allows Veterans to obtain medical services from non-VA providers at the department’s expense, a practice that dates back to World War II. In 2018, the MISSION Act was signed into law, further establishing this right for Veterans. Currently, about 40% of all VA-provided care takes place through community providers.
Out of nearly nine million Veterans enrolled in VA health care, roughly 26% qualify for dental benefits. In fiscal year 2025, more than 888,000 Veterans received dental treatment through VA programs, resulting in over 3.5 million procedures conducted via community care.
“Dental health is a critical component of overall well-being,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “This RFP will result in a contract that dramatically improves our ability to provide quality dental care to eligible Veterans while ensuring they can choose the provider that’s best for them.”
Interested companies are invited to review the RFP and submit their proposals by March 16, 2026.
