I myself phoned Wash., DC and spoke to a person in the VA health care subcommittee, and they told me they are fully aware of this issue with the dental services. The directors of all the hospitals are fully aware of this issue and frustrated on what to do. Sadly, I am not sure what to do.
A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a colonoscopy. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during a colonoscopy as well.
Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous growths in the colon or rectum (polyps). The colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube that ranges from 48 in. (125 cm) to 72 in. small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that your doctor can take pictures or video of the large intestine (colon). The colonoscope can be used to look at the whole colon and the lower part of the small intestine. A test called sigmoidoscopy shows only the rectum and the lower part of the colon.