How to Control Dental Health Care Costs
Things You'll Need
- Things You'll Need to Know
- There are low-cost or free dental care programs available that can address all of your dental needs. Some are federally funded. Others are state-sponsored. Still others are available through local charitable or government organizations.
Instructions
-
-
1
Check to see if low-cost dental services are available in your community.
• Contact your local health department to find out what dental services might be available through your community.
• Check with the American Dental Hygienists' Association to find out if there is a dental hygiene school in your area that can provide low-cost teeth cleaning services. You can also call:
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse
1 NOHIC Way
Bethesda, Maryland 20892--3500
1-866-232-4528
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
• Call your local United Way office and ask if there are free or low-cost dental services in your area. -
2
Contact your state dental organization or a local dental school to check on the availability of free or low-cost dental care in your state.
• Ask your state dental society or the American Dental Association if your state offers dental assistance programs.
• Check with the American Dental Association to inquire if your state has dental schools with teaching facilities that may offer quality, lower-cost dental treatment in a clinic setting. Services are provided by dental students who deliver treatment under the supervision of experienced licensed dentists. -
3
Look for federally sponsored programs that offer free or low-cost dental care.
• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Web site's "Find a Health Center" link will help you locate a federally funded health center near you that provides dental services. Fees are based on what you can afford to pay.
• The NIDCR also supports and conducts clinical studies on specific dental, oral and craniofacial conditions. If you qualify for a study, you may receive free or low-cost treatment. Visit the NIDCR Web site and click the "NIDCR Studies Seeking Patients" link to see if you are eligible for one of the studies.
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fund the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides dental services to children 19 and younger without insurance in most states.
• Medicaid offers dental care to qualified children under 21. Most states provide some emergency dental services to those 21 and older, and some offer comprehensive services.
-
1