Expanding Dental Care for Veterans
Stable housing, meaningful employment and good health are all critical building blocks for a successful transition out of homelessness. In Phoenix, a new partnership is helping address a commonly overlooked barrier facing veterans working to rebuild their lives: access to essential dental care.
Western Alliance Bank, through the Western Alliance Community Foundation, has committed $100,000 to launch the Western Alliance Veterans Dental Program at Catholic Charities MANA House, a transitional housing program serving veterans experiencing housing insecurity. The initiative is administered by the AzDA Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arizona Dental Association, bringing together nonprofit, professional and corporate partners to deliver practical, life-changing support.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Care
For many veterans, oral health challenges go untreated due to limited dental coverage. According to the American Institute for Dental Public Health, more than 75% of Veteran Health Administration enrollees nationwide are not eligible for dental benefits, often leaving veterans with untreated conditions that affect overall health, confidence and employability.
The Western Alliance Veterans Dental Program directly responds to this need by expanding access to preventive and restorative dental services for residents of MANA House—support that can play a meaningful role in helping veterans prepare for long-term independence.
How the Partnership Works
Through AzDA Cares, licensed volunteer dentists in the Phoenix area provide comprehensive dental services to MANA House residents, including:
- Screenings, cleanings, X-rays and treatment plans
- Preventive care and emergency treatments
- Restorative services such as fillings, crowns, extractions and deep cleanings
- Additional restorative treatments, including dentures, as funding allows
AzDA Cares oversees provider coordination, claims review and payment processing, allowing participating dentists to focus on delivering care. Transportation to and from dental appointments is also provided, removing another common barrier to access.
Strengthening a Proven Model of Veteran Support
MANA House serves male veterans in Phoenix who are working toward permanent housing and employment. The program offers safe housing, meals and supplies, individualized case management, job search assistance and help navigating benefits and housing resources. Veterans typically remain in the program for three to nine months, with an average of 15 participants completing the program each month. Nearly 80% remain housed after leaving, reflecting the strength of its comprehensive support model.
By integrating dental care into these services, the new program strengthens MANA House’s holistic approach, supporting veterans’ health alongside housing stability and workforce readiness.
A Shared Commitment to Meaningful Impact
Western Alliance Bank’s involvement reflects a broader commitment to investing in community-based solutions that address real needs.
“This program brings together organizations that share a commitment to helping veterans move forward,” said Kenneth Vecchione, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Alliance Bank. “By supporting practical, proven solutions, we can help create opportunities for stability, independence and long-term success.”
Catholic Charities and AzDA Cares echo that shared purpose, emphasizing the role that access to basic health services plays in restoring confidence and momentum for veterans working to reenter the workforce and secure permanent housing.
Building Healthier Communities Together
Since opening in 2008, MANA House has served more than 4,600 veterans, helping them transition from homelessness to stable housing and employment. With the launch of the Western Alliance Veterans Dental Program, that support now extends further—addressing health needs that can otherwise stand in the way of progress.
Through collaboration, expertise and community investment, Western Alliance Bank and its partners are helping ensure that veterans in Phoenix have access to the care and resources they need to take the next step forward.