Dental care can be very expensive. Patients without dental insurance have to worry not only about maintaining good dental health, but pay for it as well. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to find low-cost or free dental care. Government resources, professional organizations and local charities are good places to search for solutions.
Instructions
Find low-cost or free dental care
1. Go to a local dental school. Although you will receive care from a dental student in training, an experienced, qualified dentist will supervise the work. Local dental schools offer dental care for free or at reduced cost; visit the American Dental Association website (ada.org) for a list of dental schools.
2. Take advantage of government programs and resources. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration runs a program through its Bureau of Primary Health Care that manages community health clinics across the country. These clinics offer both medical and dental services for free or at reduced cost. Visit the website (hrsa.gov) for more information. If you meet certain pre-determined qualifications, you may be eligible for free or low-cost dental care through your state's Medicaid program. Although each state develops its own guidelines for eligibility, and not every state program offers dental services, it's worth visiting the Medicaid web site to learn more.
3. Contact your state dental society to find local dental clinics that offer low-cost or charitable care. Visit the ADA website for a list of state dental societies and their contact information.
4. Contact your local chapter of the United Way and ask about free or low-cost dental care in your area. The United Way frequently works through local dental providers to offer charitable care as part of its mission. You can find your local chapter information by visiting the United Way website (liveunited.org).
Tags: dental care, charitable care, Contact your, dental care, dental schools
