Dental Assistance Programs
There are a number of dental assistance programs available to help people who cannot afford dental care. These programs can provide financial assistance, discounted services, or free care.
- Medicare: Medicare covers dental services for some people, including those who are 65 years of age or older and those with certain disabilities.
- Medicaid: Medicaid is a state-run program that provides dental benefits to eligible individuals and families.
- CHIP: The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides medical coverage and dental services to people up to 19 years of age who qualify.
- Donated Dental Services (DDS): DDS programs provide free dental treatment to vulnerable people who cannot afford necessary treatment or get public aid.
- Community health centers: Community health centers offer a variety of affordable health care services, including dental care.
- Dental schools: Dental schools often offer discounted dental services to the public.
Dental Grants
There are also a number of dental grants available to help people pay for dental care. These grants are typically awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost dental care to underserved populations.
- ADA Foundation Senior American Access to Care grants: These grants are given to nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost dental care to Americans age 62 and over.
- Dental Lifeline Network grants: These grants are given to nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost dental care to people with disabilities, veterans, the elderly, and the medically fragile.
- HRSA Oral Health Program grants: These grants are given to state and local governments to support oral health programs for underserved populations.
