Dental Care for SSI Recipients in Oregon

Dental care is an expensive heath care cost, one that is hard for people with reduced incomes to afford. In Oregon, residents with low enough income to receive federal SSI (Supplemental Security Income), have public and private organizations available for help to find free or lower cost dental care. Each program has different participation requirements, which are always best to have verified before scheduling any service.

General Dentistry Help

• The Dental Access Program (DAP), in Portland, provides dental care for Oregon residents receiving SSI and thus having a lower household income. This program is geared toward treating immediate dental needs and does not offer routine and preventative dental services. The cost of services is completely income-dependent, with free services available to those with the lowest incomes.

  Residents of Clackamas County have access to the Clackamas County Dental Clinic, which provides both free and reduced-fee dental services to low-income residents. Services provided include cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays and root canals.

Care for the Elderly

• The Geriatric Dental Group in Portland provides services for elderly residents of Oregon. Both emergency care and prevention services are provided. The group offers long-term payment plans that are interest-free as well as reduced rates for people in financial need. Those receiving SSI can request reduced rates based on low income levels.

  The Senior Smile Program, operated out of Milwaukee, Oregon, provides both routine and emergency dental services for elderly patients with reduced income levels. This program is made available only to residents of Multnomah County.

Care for the Disabled

• Disabled adults living in Oregon who have income levels low enough to qualify for SSI can obtain free or reduced dental care through the Donated Dental Service Program. Operated and managed in Wilsonville, the program utilizes a network of dentists and oral surgeons located throughout the state of Oregon. Disabled patients can also request in-home services from dentists participating in the program. This is a nationally run organization, with a presence throughout the majority of Oregon. Patients who are able may also visit participating dentists in their primary offices.

Children of SSI Recipients

• Children of those receiving SSI in Oregon qualify for free and reduced-cost dental services through programs geared toward maintaining dental health in children throughout Oregon. The Creston Elementary Dental Clinic in Portland allows students to be referred by school nurses for routine, preventative, restoration and emergency dental care.

  The Doernbecher Children's Hospital Dental Clinic, also located in Portland, provides around-the-clock dental services for children with reduced family incomes, such as households that qualify for SSI. The clinic provides care for children in need of dental treatment while admitted to the hospital.