Northeast Delta Dental has made significant strides in supporting veterans' oral health in Maine. The company, led by President and CEO Tom Raffio, has provided $300,000 in funding to the Maine Veterans Dental Network to offer free or affordable dental care to veterans who do not qualify for dental services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In an interview, Raffio shared his passion for helping veterans and explained the need for the program. "For the most part, when a veteran goes to the VA, roughly nine times out of 10, they’re not getting their dental care needs met," said Raffio. "This is often because they have to prove they are either fully disabled or were a prisoner of war. We saw this gap and decided we could help."
The Maine Veterans' Dental Network, initiated by the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS), has significantly expanded since its inception in 2021 with an initial $35,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental. Funding from the organization has now grown to $300,000. MBVS collaborates with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the state to provide essential dental care to veterans. "It's one of the proudest moments of my career to have addressed this need without waiting for federal action," said Northeast Delta Dental President & CEO Tom Raffio.
Since the launch of the program, there has been more than 2,000 requests for assistance received, with over 1,100 veterans qualifying for care. According to Raffio, the program addresses various dental issues, from routine cleanings to major surgeries, and is critical to veterans' overall health and well-being.
"You Can’t Have Good Health Without Good Oral Health"
Raffio emphasized the connection between oral health and overall health, a concept that is now gaining broader recognition. "You really can’t have good overall health without good oral health," he said. "People are starting to recognize the medical-dental connection, which wasn’t always understood in society."
The program has also had a positive impact on veterans' mental health. Many veterans have shared how dental care has helped them feel more confident in social situations. "I get letters from veterans in Maine and New Hampshire saying they can now go to family reunions and smile. Their health is better, and it puts a big smile on my face too," Raffio said. "There’s also a connection to mental health because poor oral health can really drag you down emotionally."
How Veterans Can Access the Program
To qualify for the program, veterans must be Maine residents without current dental insurance and have an honorable discharge, as evidenced by a DD 214 form. Veterans can easily access the program by calling (207) 287-6836. The grant covers services at 23 nonprofit dental clinics across Maine, including the Lincoln County Dental, Kennebunk Valley Dentistry, and Waterville Community Dental, among others.
The University of New England (UNE) Dental Clinic, which Northeast Delta Dental helped start with a $2.3 million donation two decades ago, is also part of the network, further demonstrating the company’s long-standing commitment to improving access to dental care.
Raffio credited Governor Janet Mills for helping raise awareness of the program, noting that after a press release in February, the response was overwhelming. "The need is large," Raffio acknowledged. "We are seeing many veterans, but there are still more out there who need help. We didn’t want to wait for the federal government to change its guidelines, so we stepped up."
Beyond the veterans program, Raffio discussed the growing public awareness of the importance of oral health. "It took years of education and lobbying, but people are now recognizing that oral health is not a luxury; it’s essential for overall health," he said. "Oral health is now the second most desired benefit after medical insurance."
Thanks to Northeast Delta Dental's efforts, hundreds of Maine veterans are receiving the dental care they need, improving both their physical and mental health. For more information about Northeast Delta Dental’s veterans program, visit their website at nedelta.com, or call (207) 287-6836 to inquire about services.
Thomas Raffio President and CEO, Northeast Delta Dental
Tom Raffio assumed the role of President and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental in 1995. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President of Delta Dental of Massachusetts and Director of Group Healthcare Management Reporting at John Hancock Insurance.
Raffio has been recognized for providing leadership to the community through numerous awards including: Business NH Magazine’s 40 Influential Leaders (2024); the 22nd Annual Garden Party Honoree, Moore Center (2023); the Nicholas J. Halias Award (2023); the Erik Cogswell Memorial Award by Seacoast Mental Health Center (2022); the Arthritis Foundation’s Champion Award (2022); and the Campus Compact for New Hampshire Presidents’ Community Partner Award (2022). An author of many books as well as an avid runner, Raffio’s latest publication is Stories From the Starting Line, including interviews with over 60 runners- from Gold Medal Olympians, Boston Marathon Winners and Mount Washington Road Race Champions to weekend warriors and everyone in between.
Raffio earned an undergraduate degree at Harvard University, an MBA from Babson College, and designation as a Fellow of The Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI). He is proud to be a 1997 graduate of Leadership New Hampshire. He lives in Bow, New Hampshire with his wife Ellen, granddaughter Havanna and his beloved pets: German Shepherds Kolton and Ice and two cats. When Raffio is not at work you can find him running with his wife or working out at the gym
About Northeast Delta Dental
Northeast Delta Dental is a leading provider of dental insurance in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The company is committed to improving oral health through various community initiatives, including its veteran-focused program, which aims to ensure that those who have served the country receive the dental care they deserve.