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How To Find Low-Cost Dental Assistance Programs

Written by: Jody Adams
Last updated: January 31, 2024

Dental care is comprised of many preventive measures that can ensure the protection of your teeth and prevent dental decay and damage. A private dentist's office may be more difficult to afford if you don't have dental coverage. Nevertheless, several organizations offer needy individuals free or reduced-cost dental care options. 

Cost is the leading cause of why Americans avoid planned and emergency dental checkups. A dentist's routine cleaning and dental exam can be as costly as $200 per visit. 

Dentures and braces can cost thousands of dollars, while filling cavities may cost several hundred dollars. Most people cannot handle that much treatment expense at once. You might not have dental coverage regardless of age, income, or employment status. 

Dental insurance is not available to one in three American adults. You still pay a lot out of pocket, even if you have health insurance.

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Low-Cost Dental Assistance Programs

Low-Cost Dental Assistance Programs

There are ways to find low-cost or free dental makeover through dental assistance programs if you research, are patient, and are lucky. State and local resources include dental schools, medical insurance programs, health departments, and clinical trials.

Dental Schools

A dental school can provide quality dental care at a lower cost. Dental students can practice treating patients at these teaching facilities while receiving care at a reduced cost. Students are closely supervised by licensed, experienced dentists. 

In addition, most schools offer postgraduate and faculty clinics. A minimum of two dental and dental hygiene programs are available in every state. In Alaska, there are four programs, and 169 in New York. 

Hands-on training is required for graduates of these schools.

Dental and dental hygiene schools can provide quality dental care at a lower cost. Dental students can practice treating patients at these teaching facilities while receiving care at a reduced cost. 

Students are closely supervised by licensed, experienced dentists. In addition, most schools offer postgraduate and faculty clinics. A minimum of two dental and dental hygiene programs are available in every state. In Alaska, there are four programs, and 169 in New York. Hands-on training is required for graduates of these schools.

Many dental schools operate dental clinics where students offer reduced-cost treatments to the public as part of their training. Compared with what established dentists charge for dental services, dental patients may pay half or even less. Licensed dentists supervise the students during the procedure to check every step of the student's work. 

This is why your appointment might take longer than usual. The bonus is that the treatment you receive is equivalent to the treatment patients get when they pay the full fee. You can find a school in your state by searching for the Commission on Dental Accreditation's website. 

By getting cleanings, X-rays, and fillings done at dental schools, you may still be able to access reduced-cost dental services if you don't qualify for Medicaid. 

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Clinical Trials

clinical trial investigates the effects of dental, oral, or craniofacial conditions and involves volunteers with specific dental, oral, or craniofacial conditions. Under clinical trials, the researchers offer the study participants the necessary treatment for free or at a reduced cost, depending on the type of study and the condition being studied. 

Visit the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research's "NIDCR Studies Seeking Patients" page to find out if you qualify for any of the available clinical trials funded by the NIDCR. 

Free Dental Clinics

Dental care is in great demand, but the supply is limited. Several nonprofit entities, religious organizations, and dental service providers offer low-cost or free dental services. But the issue with some of these programs is that they might have long waiting lists or are often closed to new participants because the demand outstrips the supply of options. 

Other programs often have restrictions such as low-income limits, age limits, or the disabilities and medical conditions of the applicants. Some nonprofit dental service providers cater to people who are not insured or cannot afford adequate dental care. Most of these organizations work on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Some of these clinics are listed on 211.org, a website operated by United Way. Free dental and safety net clinics can be found in state and local directories.

Dental Lifeline Network

In all 50 states, the Dental Lifeline Network provides dental care for all low-income individuals. The mission of this nonprofit organization is to assist those who cannot afford dental care and have disabilities or medical conditions. Find out what services are available in your state and the eligibility requirements. 

The Dental Lifeline Network provides no emergency dental services, but you can access preventive care. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials for free care.

People over 65, with permanent disabilities, or suffering from serious medical conditions can apply for Dental Lifeline services in all 50 states. Low-income children can receive braces and other treatments through a related program that matches them with volunteer orthodontists.

Mission of Mercy

Various states host Mission of Mercy dental clinics at fairgrounds, high schools, and other locations throughout the country. Some clinics treat only adults, and others treat children as well. People often do not have to prove their income, and they treat as many people in line as possible. You can find information about upcoming clinics on the website.

Give Kids A Smile

Children in need of dental care may receive assistance through Give Kids A Smile. You can check for the availability of the GKAS program in your area if you call their toll-free number, 1-844-490-GKAS. 

With the help of volunteers, GKAS provides dental health education, screenings, preventive care, and dental treatment to children who don't have access to dental health services. The Give Kids A Smile program has provided free dental care to more than 5.5 million children since 2003. 

Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide dental benefits to veterans. The services that VA dental care benefits may cover will be notified once you have applied for the program and been approved. 

A one-time benefit, partial coverage, or even full coverage may be available to you, depending on your status and service. Check out the eligibility requirements and benefits here. A VA dental clinic in your area can also provide you with care.

Toothwisdom

Older adults can find health resources on Toothwisdom's website. This website also provides a care locator tool, which will allow you to find low-cost dental care in your area and informative articles. There is a great list of resources available to you by clicking on the state you live in. 

Oral Health in America (OHA) operates a site dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Americans, particularly the most vulnerable, by connecting communities with resources.

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

Founded in 1960, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics strives to provide affordable health care to the medically underserved. Because it believes that access to health care is a right, not a privilege, the NAFCC ensures that the poor and uninsured can still receive medical and dental services. 

Over 1,200 clinics throughout the country enable the organization to fulfill its goal. Their homepage provides a searchable list of free care, or you can call 1-703-647-7427 for more information.

For more information on government and private assistance programs for low-income individuals, check out the rest of the Gov-relations resources. Read our blog post on affordable housing for pregnant women.

Jody Adams
Jody Adams is an accomplished editor-in-chief with a deep understanding of social care and government benefits issues. With a background in journalism and a master's degree in Public Policy, Jody has spent her career shaping the narrative around social policies and their impact on society. She has worked with renowned publications, effectively bridging the gap between complex policy analysis and public understanding. Jody's editorial expertise ensures that vital information on social care and government benefits reaches a broad audience, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
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