How to Get a Free Dentist

Finding dental care can be frustrating when you are unemployed or on limited funds. But it is possible to find a dentist who will offer free or inexpensive dental care. Some dentists offer their services free as part of a national volunteer network; others provide services through local clinics or government programs. Some programs allow you to specify the dentist you wish to see if you need follow-up care. Others provide services from professionals on a rotating basis. But either way, all it will cost is a little bit of advance research.

Things You'll Need

• Your dental records, if available
• Copies of pay stubs, unemployment insurance check stubs and/or tax statements showing your income
• Proof of identification
• Local phone book
• Computer
• Telephone
• Dependable transportation for local or regional travel

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Instructions

Finding A Free Dentist

• 1

  Contact your city's local government health department. In many cities this will be the county health department office. Inquire as to whether there is a government-sponsored dental clinic or program in your area. If so, ask how services are set up: Do you need an appointment, or are they first-come, first-serve? Find out what is needed to qualify to see a dentist under the program.

• 2

  Contact the United Way chapter in your area. United Way sometimes provides free or subsidized dental care. United Way also might know of other free dentists in your area, so be sure to ask.

• 3

  Contact the university or college in your area and ask if there is a dental school. If so, it will likely have a clinic with free or low-cost services. These clinics are generally staffed by students who are overseen by credentialed dentists, and your care may be provided on a rotational basis. Some dental school programs provide different hours for different services, such as emergency care, check ups, etc. Be sure to specify the kind of care you need and request information for that particular service.

• 4

  Contact the U.S. Health and Human Resources' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) either on the Internet or by phone. Request a listing of free dentists in your area. Most counties have a clinic that offers low-cost dental services, though most charge on a sliding scale. Ask if it is possible to qualify for free care, and explain your circumstance.

• 5

  Contact Dentistry From the Heart and ask when the next free dental day will take place in your area. This is a network of dentists who volunteer their services for those who can't afford to pay. Since the network isn't available in every area, a trip to a nearby city might be necessary. Still, this is a great way to establish rapport with a private dentist who can follow your progress.

• 6

  Check out the Freemedicalcamps website, another private source for dental care that is staffed by local or regional dentists. The website lists government and private dental services, including mobile clinics that are available in your area.

• 7

  Contact charity organizations that provide social services in your area. Some possible sources include churches and religious philanthropic organizations involved in medical care. Dental services might not be available on a regular basis, however. Be sure to find out how often the dentist sees patients, whether you will be seeing the same dentist on return trips, and what is required to qualify for the service.