How to Control Dental Health Care Costs

Dental health care costs are increasing along with general health care expenses. Many people avoid getting the dental care they need because they do not have dental insurance, either because it is not available where they work or because the cost of the insurance is too high. Some cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost of dental care. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get low-cost or free dental care for adults and children.

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.

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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.