Dr. Jay Grossman expands free dental care mission for veterans and low-income children

Professor Dr. Jay Grossman is highlighting Homeless Not Toothless’ effort to remove financial barriers to oral healthcare for U.S. veterans and low-income children. The nonprofit says it has delivered more than $11 million in pro bono care over 30 years and continues to pair underserved patients with volunteer dental professionals.

Why it matters: - Millions of underserved people still struggle to get basic dental care, including many veterans and children in lower-income households. - Oral health affects more than teeth. Grossman frames access to dental care as a quality-of-life issue tied to confidence, function and overall well-being. - Homeless Not Toothless says its model helps close gaps that public systems and family budgets often leave open.

What happened: - Professor Dr. Jay Grossman, founder of Homeless Not Toothless, is spotlighting the nonprofit’s work serving U.S. veterans and low-income children. - The announcement was released from Los Angeles on July 9, 2026. - Grossman said access to dental care should not depend on income, background or circumstance. - Homeless Not Toothless connects underserved patients with volunteer dental professionals to restore oral health, function and confidence.

The details: - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says nearly nine million veterans are enrolled in VA healthcare, but only 26% qualify for VA dental care. - In fiscal year 2025, fewer than 889,000 veterans received VA dental services, leaving 8.1 million without access. - Children from lower-income households, especially foster youth, continue to face major barriers to oral healthcare. - Homeless Not Toothless is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to remove financial and systemic barriers to care. - Grossman is a former Dental Officer and Lieutenant in the United States Navy. - Grossman also teaches at the NYU College of Dentistry as an Adjunct Assistant Professor and at the UCLA School of Dentistry as a Clinical Assistant Professor. - Grossman said serving veterans and children in need is the most meaningful work of his career. - Over more than 30 years, Grossman and Homeless Not Toothless say they have provided more than $11 million in pro bono dental care to more than 154,000 veterans, foster children and underserved individuals. - The nonprofit says it operates with no salaries and single-digit administrative overhead. - People who want to support the mission or learn more can visit the donation page. - More information about Grossman is available at his website.

Between the lines: - Grossman’s Navy background and academic roles help position the nonprofit as both service-driven and professionally credible. - The funding model suggests donated dollars are intended to flow directly into patient care, which can be an important signal for donors. - The release blends a fundraising message with a broader argument that dental access is a public health equity issue.

What's next: - Homeless Not Toothless says it will keep raising awareness about untreated oral health needs and keep connecting vulnerable patients with dental providers. - Grossman is available for interviews, signaling an effort to expand outreach and donor support. - Continued demand is likely as veterans and low-income children remain underserved by existing coverage and care networks.