Dental Help for the Lower Incomes

Many families and individuals struggle with finding affordable dental care. Uninsured individuals often neglect their dental health due to cost. Even insured individuals may find that certain dental procedures are not covered. Dental work can easily cost thousands of dollars, but there are options to help lower income individuals to get the care they need.

Dental Schools

• State and local dental schools often offer low-cost dental care. Most dental schools have on-site clinics in which dental students treat patients under the direct supervision of licensed dentists and teachers. Some dental schools even have clinics staffed by faculty members. Oral hygiene schools often have similar clinics in which oral cleanings and other preventive maintenance care are given. Dental schools and dental hygiene schools can be located through the American Dental Association, the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the Oral Health Information Clearinghouse. (See Reference 1)

Clinical Trials

• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) sometimes asks for volunteers to participate in clinical trials related to specific dental problems or procedures. Volunteers who are selected to participate in the clinical trials are usually given free or reduced-cost dental care in exchange for their participation. A full list of government clinical trials can be found at http://clinicaltrials.gov. (See Reference 1)

Bureau of Primary Health Care

• The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) maintains a division called the Bureau of Primary Health Care. The Bureau of Primary Health Care oversees federally funded health centers and clinics that provide low-cost health services to low-income individuals and other members of the community. Some of these centers provide reduced-cost dental care as well. HRSA's website provides a list of centers by area at http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. (See Reference 1)

Medicaid and SCHIP

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services handles Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to help low-income individuals and families obtain affordable dental care. Medicaid supplies medical benefits to certain eligible lower-income people. Each state sets its own Medicaid guidelines, but most states cover certain emergency dental procedures for those 21 and older. Medicaid usually covers most dental expenses for individuals younger than 21. SCHIP provides medical coverage for individuals younger than 19 who would otherwise have no health insurance coverage. Many dental services are covered under SCHIP as well, but like Medicaid, coverage varies depending on the state. (See Reference 1)

State and Local Resources & Charitable Organizations

• State and local health departments can help with finding low-cost dental help in specific areas. Many states and local areas have programs that help with free or reduced-cost dental services to those in need. Local United Way offices can also help direct low-income individuals to programs that can help with low-cost dental care. Some churches, religious organizations and other charities have information on low-cost dental care as well.