Surveys show the majority of seniors avoid visiting a dentist due to the high costs involved. This underscores the importance of dental grants for low-income individuals.
Regular dental check-ups and treatments are vital for dealing with seniors’ oral issues. This gives rise to the question: do pensioners get free dental treatment? Unfortunately, dental insurance is not available to 70% of seniors over 65. There is no coverage under Medicare, and coverage under Medicaid is limited.
Here we explore low-cost dental solutions for seniors that help you save money on dental services.
Pensioners Getting Free Dental Treatment
A few free dental care options are available for pensioners and senior citizens concerned about the cost of dental treatment. Some such programs are Medicare, Medicaid, dental schools, clinical trials, and other local or state-run programs. The NHS is the best resource for affordable dental care if you live in the UK.
NHS Dental Treatment
The cost of NHS dental treatment depends on the type of treatment you need. Even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to complete a procedure, you'll only be charged once.
NHS Dental Charges
- Band 1 includes examinations, diagnosis, consultations, scaling and polishing if clinically necessary, preventive care, and emergency treatment like pain relief or temporary fillings.
- Band 2 covers everything in Band 1, plus any additional treatments, such as fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions.
- Band 3 includes everything in Bands 1 and 2, including bridges, dentures, crowns, and other laboratory services.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible for free NHS treatment if you're on certain benefits. NHS dental care is free if you meet one or more of the criteria below:
- Aged 19 or under and enrolled in a full-time educational program
- Currently pregnant or delivered a baby within the past year
- Treated by a hospital dentist while staying in an NHS hospital
- A dental outpatient getting treated by an NHS hospital — however, you may need to pay for your bridges or dentures
You are also eligible if you are less than 20 years old and are dependent on someone receiving, or you or your partner receive:
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Universal credit
- Pension credit guarantee credit
If you are eligible for or named on:
- A valid HC2 certificate
- A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
How To Apply
Registration with an NHS dentist is open to anyone, and you can register with more than one. There is no need to go to the closest dentist. You are free to visit any dentist you like. Find a local NHS dentist here and simply enter your postcode.
You can find out more about how to claim help with dental costs by calling 845-610-1112 and requesting an HC1 form.
The HC1 form must be completed and returned to receive an HC2 or HC3 certificate that proves you are entitled to financial assistance for dental costs. It may take up to 6 weeks for HC2 and HC3 certificates to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
A local nonprofit organization or your city or state government may offer free dental care if you are unemployed, underemployed, or low-income. Seniors seeking affordable dental care often have these questions about what they should expect.
Those in need of dental services can receive some coverage from Medicare and Medicaid. CHIP covers people up to 19 years of age, so teens and early college students are covered for orthodontic treatment or wisdom tooth removal.
Dental schools provide low-cost or free dental cleanings. You can also save money on senior dental care by volunteering for a clinical study if you have extensive damage. Certain dental offices may offer grants and other funding to help seniors cover their dental expenses.
Yes! Mobile dental clinics offer affordable home visits by dentists. A mobile dentist visits you at home to provide dental care. Patients with special needs, disabilities, or the elderly can easily access dental care with this option.
In most cases, Medicare covers emergency dental care related to other health conditions. For instance, an infected tooth extraction prior to major surgery or cancer treatment may be covered. While emergencies like these are covered, Medicare will not cover tooth replacements such as implants or dentures. Medicare Advantage Plans may, however, cover routine senior services.
Turkey, the United Kingdom (UK), Sweden, Spain, Poland, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Germany, Finland, Denmark, and Austria provide universal dental coverage.
Dental insurance is the best way to get routine dental care. However, the high cost of dental care raises the question: do pensioners get free dental treatment? Though most plans don't offer 100% free treatment, some provide affordable dental coverage.
While pensioners navigate dental treatment options, there are also resources for free dental cleanings in your area. Discover local solutions in our latest blog post. Prioritize your oral health without the price tag!
Fortunately, free dental implants for seniors are available nationwide. Our resources can help you learn more about these programs.
