Texas Dental Help

Several free or reduced price dental care programs help Texas residents obtain oral health care. Some are limited to certain age groups or income eligibility requirements while others are available to the general public.

Help for Children

• The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) helps families ineligible for Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance. CHIP provides assistance with preventative and therapeutic services such as routine checkups, cleanings, X-rays and fillings.

Donated Services

• Senior citizens aged 55 and older, and individuals with permanent disabilities may qualify for donated free, or low cost, care through the Texas Donated Dental Services (TXDDS) program. Patients must submit an application and wait to be matched with a participating dentist. The program is only open to applicants who are uninsured and ineligible for any state dental health programs.

Dental Schools

• The University of Texas in Houston and San Antonio offers discounted oral care to public patients. Services are not free, but care provided by dental students costs about one-third the price of private practice fees. Work performed by graduate students costs about two-thirds the price of private practice care. Texas A&M's Baylor College of Dentistry accepts clinic patients for costs at about 30 to 40 percent below private fees.