It’s no secret that dental care can be expensive. In most cases, insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of procedures, and some treatments are not covered at all. In the United States, approximately 1 in 3 adults aged 20-44 have untreated cavities (31.6%).
However, you don't have to suffer from untreated dental conditions. If you’re looking for a way to save money on your dental care, there are several options available. Many states have programs that provide free or low-cost dental care for children and adults with limited incomes. There are also plenty of private organizations that can help.
Let’s look at where you can get free dental treatment in the U.S.
Can I Get Free Dental Treatment?
Some states offer free dental care to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. While dental schools, community centers, and private charities offer free to low-cost dental care for patients. Check out the list below of where you can get free dental treatment:
Dental Schools
If you don’t mind being treated by students supervised by experienced professionals, you may want to consider visiting a dental school for free or discounted treatment. Most states have at least one dental college which offers free or discounted services from student dentists in exchange for letting them practice their skills.
Furthermore, many of these schools offer comprehensive services, including cleanings, exams, x-rays, fillings, and more. Your best bet is to contact the nearest accredited dental school and inquire about their services and fees.
Public/Free Dental Clinics
In addition to dental schools, many clinics throughout the country provide free or discounted services to those who need them most. These clinics usually focus on providing basic care, such as cleanings and exams but may also offer other services, such as fillings and extractions, depending on the availability of resources and personnel.
To find out if there is one near you, visit your local health center or a free clinic directory in your area to search for free clinics offering free or reduced-rate dental care near you.
Free Dental Insurance
State-wide health insurance can also cover certain dental procedures or reduce their overall cost.
- Medicaid: The health insurance covers partial dental costs for low-income families. They can help make procedures like dental surgery more affordable, although they won't shoulder the entire procedure cost.
- Medicare: Like Medicaid, Medicare can cover partial dental services that are reconstructive in nature. Cosmetic procedures are not covered.
Charities
Finally, if you don’t qualify for low-cost programs offered by government agencies or charities near your home, try contacting charitable organizations. These organizations provide free and discounted treatments ranging from cleanings and exams to extractions and restorations, depending on the availability of resources and personnel and patient eligibility requirements. Again, make sure to check if these organizations have any clinics near your home before applying for assistance.
- Mission Of Mercy (MOM): A community-based organization that provides free healthcare, including dental care and free prescription medicines, to underinsured and uninsured individuals
- Remote Area Medical (RAM) Volunteer Corps: A non-profit organization that provides mobile medical clinics delivering free vision, medical, and dental care
- Dental Lifeline: Provides free dental care and education to those who can't afford it, have a permanent disability, an elderly, or are a medically fragile person
- America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF): Helps free dental clinics by providing them with dental equipment and other necessary materials
- Dentistry From The Heart: A global organization that provides dental care to those who can't afford it
Government Dental Coverage
Several government grants for dental work can help reduce or cover the entire costs of dental procedures. These grants can range from a few hundred to several thousand, depending on the cost of the entire procedure. However, cosmetic procedures are typically not eligible for any dental grant.
Dental Savings Plans
Dental savings plans are administered mostly by health insurance companies. They allow you to set aside a portion monthly to be used for a future dental procedure. If you can afford to set aside money every month, this is a viable opportunity to allow you to prepare for that costly dental procedure.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on dental care without sacrificing quality service, consider the options outlined above. With a little research and effort, you can find an affordable solution that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, there are several organizations and programs that offer free or low-cost dental care in the U.S., such as dental schools, community health clinics, and nonprofit organizations like Dental Lifeline Network and America's Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF). These organizations aim to provide essential dental care to individuals who lack dental insurance or cannot afford treatment.
To find free dental care services in your area, start by contacting your state's dental association, local health department, or social service agencies for information on available programs and clinics. You can also search online for local dental schools, community health clinics, or nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost dental care services to those in need.
Yes, there are events, such as Mission of Mercy (MOM) clinics and Give Kids A Smile, that provide free dental care to eligible individuals in the U.S. These events are organized by various dental associations, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer dental professionals. Services may include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other essential dental treatments. Keep an eye on local news or social media for announcements about upcoming events in your area.
Want to get a free dental makeover? Check out our article about how to get a free dental makeover today.
Is your dental procedure classified as cosmetic dentistry? Learn about cosmetic dentistry grants in this blog post.
