Nation’s First VA Dental Clinic Inside a University Dental School Opens at Roseman
A five-chair clinic in Henderson expands access to dental care for eligible veterans across the southern Las Vegas Valley.
On the eve of Veterans Day, Roseman University of Health Sciences and VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System cut the ribbon on a new dental clinic for eligible veterans inside Roseman’s College of Dental Medicine in Henderson. The five-chair clinic is the first standalone VA dental facility in the nation situated within a university dental school.
A new model for veteran care
Located at 4 Sunset Way, Building B, on Roseman’s Henderson campus, the 1,033-square-foot clinic is the product of an innovative partnership. Roseman University funded and constructed the facility, while VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System manages daily operations. Care is delivered by VA dental professionals.
The clinic builds on dental services at the main VA Medical Center in North Las Vegas and offers convenient local access for veterans who live in the southern valley.
“Every veteran we serve deserves care close to home, and every future dentist deserves to learn what that care means. This partnership delivers both,” said Michael Kiefer, VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System executive director. “Roseman built the five-chair clinic; the VA brings the care and the mission. Students who rotate at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System will learn to serve veterans, and some may one day join the VA. That is how two institutions build something neither could alone.”
Patient care and clinical education, together
Yessenia Fields, DMD, chief of Dental Service for VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, said the clinic breaks new ground for the VA.
“Veterans deserve timely access to exceptional dental care, and this innovative clinic helps make that possible,” Dr. Fields said. “What makes this effort truly remarkable is that it combines patient care and clinical education in a way that has never been done before within the VA system. By embedding VA dental professionals in an academic setting, we are expanding access for veterans, mentoring future dentists, and strengthening the pipeline of providers who understand the unique needs of those who have served our nation.”
For Roseman, the clinic puts the College of Dental Medicine’s mission into action.
“Our College of Dental Medicine is committed to improving oral health and expanding access to care,” said Frank Licari, DDS, MPH, MBA, dean of Roseman University College of Dental Medicine. “Welcoming VA to our Henderson campus puts that commitment into action for the men and women who have served our country. We are proud to provide a clinical home for VA dentists to care for veterans and to offer additional dental and orthodontic resources for their families through Roseman’s clinics.”
Support for military families
Family members of veterans can also access affordable dental and orthodontic services through Roseman University’s Roseman Dental & Orthodontics clinics on the same campus, creating a comprehensive care hub for military veteran families.
“Partnering with VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System reflects Roseman University’s core mission to serve our community through innovative healthcare solutions,” said Renee Coffman, PhD, president and co-founder of Roseman University of Health Sciences. “We are deeply honored to host this groundbreaking facility on our Henderson campus and to expand quality care access for our region’s veterans.”
The need in Southern Nevada
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System serves Clark, Lincoln and Nye counties, home to approximately 147,000 veterans. Of those, approximately 129,000 are eligible for VA care and services, and approximately 86,000 are currently enrolled in VA care. The system served approximately 77,000 individual veterans in fiscal year 2026, completing more than 1.1 million outpatient appointments.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the eve of Veterans Day and was supported by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and the Vegas Chamber.