Engaging the Veteran Community and Healthcare System

This training manual from Texas Dental Sleep Services (TDSS) is designed to educate providers and staff on how to effectively engage with the Veteran community and the VA healthcare system to provide Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for obstructive sleep apnea. It outlines comprehensive strategies for navigating the VA Community Care Network (CCN), fostering relationships with VA facilities and primary care providers, and directly reaching Veterans who may benefit from OAT. A core emphasis is placed on understanding that OAT is a medically covered VA benefit, guiding Veterans through the referral process, and explaining their rights to access care outside traditional VA facilities when certain conditions are met. The manual also includes practical tools and scripts to facilitate outreach and in-practice patient engagement, ultimately aiming to improve Veterans’ access to crucial sleep apnea treatment.