Proposal For Free Dental Care for Eligible CT Veterans

February 27, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Tuesday, March 3, I will join the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee for a public hearing on several important bills, including one that would provide free dental care for eligible Connecticut veterans. This proposal reflects the hard work of the Southington Veterans Committee, and I am proud that their efforts have helped bring this legislation to this critical stage.

House Bill 5413, which I am honored to have taken the legislative lead and co-sponsor, would establish a Connecticut Veterans Dental Care Access Program, designed to provide free dental services to qualifying veterans through partnerships with nonprofit dental outreach programs, volunteer clinicians, community health centers, and participating private providers. 

The legislation prioritizes preventative care, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, and oral health education, while also covering essential restorative services including fillings, crowns, extractions, and dentures.

The program would:

  • Improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for veterans
  • Reduce costly emergency room visits for untreated dental conditions
  • Strengthen partnerships between state agencies, nonprofits, and dental professionals
  • Reinforce Connecticut’s commitment to comprehensive support services for veterans

If this legislation passes, Connecticut would join Maine, Vermont, Oregon, Nevada, and Florida in offering dedicated dental services to those who served.

Another major priority I am proud to co-sponsor is “Troops to Trades,” legislation aimed at building stronger pathways from military service to meaningful careers in Connecticut’s high-demand trade industries.
 
Our state faces workforce shortages in manufacturing, construction, and other skilled trades. At the same time, veterans bring leadership, discipline, and technical expertise that employers need. This bill is about connecting that talent with opportunity.

House Bill 5409 includes:

  • Expanding career counseling opportunities through the Connecticut Department of Labor and the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs
  • Creating a tax credit for industries that create career pathways for veterans
  • Established a centralized "CT Veteran Portal" to make it easier for veterans and their families to access benefits and services
  • Ensure the Air National Guard has the same benefits as other military services

This is about honoring service with opportunity, not just words. By building stronger bridges from military service to meaningful careers, we can strengthen our workforce, our economy, and the futures of those who have worn the uniform.

The full agenda for the Veterans Committee public hearing is available HERE.

If you would like to testify on these bills or any others being heard, here's how you can participate:

In-person:
Register to speak HERE
Submit written testimony HERE

By Zoom:
Register to speak HERE
Submit written testimony HERE

Can't attend, but want your voice hear? 
Submit written testimony online HERE

You can also review a helpful guide to testifying at public hearings and contracting your state legislators.


Chris Poulos
State Representative 
 

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