Where to Find Free Dental Care in Arizona

A 2000 U.S. surgeon general report links oral diseases with ear and sinus infections, diabetes, heart and lung disease and other health conditions. Lack of dental treatment can affect speech, nutrition, growth and social development in children. Yet 108 million people lack dental insurance, according to DentalPlans.com.

Arizona Dental Foundation

• The Arizona Dental Foundation has two free programs. Donated Dental Services provides comprehensive services to people without insurance or enough income to pay for care but can't respond to emergencies and waiting time can surpass three years. The Give Kids a Smile program teams dentists with Arizona schools and community groups to find children whose parents don't qualify for dental care, providing free restorative care including fillings, crowns, extractions, and root canals.

  Arizona Dental Foundation

  3193 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

  Scottsdale, AZ 85251

  480-344-5777, ext. 304

  azdentalfoundation.org

St. Vincent de Paul

• The nonprofit Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates the Virginia G. Piper Medical and Dental Clinic for low-income working families who can't afford insurance. Services range from teeth cleanings to denture fittings. The clinic also provides counseling and education to help prevent future problems.

  Society of St. Vincent De Paul

  420 W. Watkins Road

  Phoenix, AZ 85002

  602- 266-4673

  stvincentdepaul.net

North Country

• North Country HealthCare provides dental services to low income, uninsured or underinsured people in northern Arizona. Though not free, the sliding fee scale permits someone earning less than $900 a month to pay $25 per visit.

  North Country HealthCare

  2920 N. Fourth St.

  Flagstaff, AZ 86004

  928-213-6100

  northcountryhealthcare.org