Free Dental Services for Children

Free dental services are frequently offered for American children from low-income families. Children must qualify as a dependent member of a parent or parents who meet certain income limits. States may offer free dental prevention services, such as dental sealing, to children in the nurse's clinic in school. Private or non-profit organizations may also offer free dental services to children in a specific area.

Give Kids A Smile Day

• The American Dental Association sponsors Give Kids A Smile Day to encourage dentists to provide free dental care to low income children. Services are provided through participating state and local chapters of the ADA. Volunteer dentists offer dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, dental sealing, tooth extraction and cavity filling. Parents interested in obtaining free dental care for their children through Give Kids A Smile Day should contact the local or state chapter, and request sign up information and event schedules

Dental Colleges

• Dental schools often offer low-cost or free dental services to parents and their children. The University of Iowa Department of Pediatric Dentistry offers up to $300 in preventive dental care for children under 21 with emotional, physical or developmental disabilities. Services also include restorative care. The University of Southern California School of Dentistry has 14 mobile dental centers that provide dental cleanings, dental sealant as well as dental education and training in proper hygiene techniques. Homeless children living on Los Angeles's skid row receive free toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

Dental Care Clinics

• Some private dental clinics specialize in offering free dental services to children. The Foundation for Children's Dental Health in Santa Clarita, California, offers cavity fillings and wisdom tooth extractions in addition to preventive dental care. Interested parents should contact the foundation to submit an application. Some schools refer children to the foundation. Remote Area Medical offers free dental care for adults and children in Eastern Tennessee and Illinois. Services include restorations, fluoride treatments and cleanings.

Medicaid

• Parents can enroll their children in Medicaid if they meet state income requirements. Medicaid is free for children who qualify. Dental services provided under medicaid are also free. Medicaid dental services include cleanings and fillings. Children up to 18 years old can receive Medicaid through the state if the parents' income limits allow.