Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Lori Pace
How important is a healthy smile to your physical health and well-being? Medical experts say it is very difficult to maintain peak physical health if your mouth is not healthy. Your mouth should be considered the “gateway” to your overall health. Recent research has shown that there is a closer correlation between oral health, and overall health. But for seniors or low-income families who cannot afford good oral care? Good news is that there are some organizations offer free dental care for those in need.
What You Need To Know About Dental Care
Vitality Of Good Oral Health
Good oral health can be to your overall quality and life. You will be able to properly chew your food and not feel any pain. This will reduce your risk of other health problems. You’ll also save money over the long-term.
Seniors And Oral Health
Seniors need to take extra care of their oral health. Because you are more likely to develop diseases as you age. It is best to get regular dental checks and be treated if an issue occurs . Seniors often have difficulty accessing regular dental care. Medicare doesn’t cover it. Medicaid coverage has limitations. High out-of-pocket costs may be prohibitive for those with a fixed income.
There are many organizations that can assist you. Here are 10 low-cost or free options for senior dental care.
Free Dental Care Providers For Seniors
Toothwisdom.org
a website dedicated to older adults’ health resources. You can access the informational articles on the site as well as the care locator tool which will help you find low-cost dental care in your local area. You can click on the state you are interested in to see a list with excellent resources.
Oral Health America (OHA), a national nonprofit located in Chicago, manages the site. They are dedicated to improving lives by connecting communities to resources that increase access to care, education and advocacy for all Americans, particularly those most vulnerable.
Eldercare Locator And Free Dental Care
A service provided by the Administration on Aging. You can search by state, or by service (health care, transportation, legal, etc.). Talk to an information specialist at 1-800-677-1116. You can also use the chat window to ask more questions. An Information Specialist is available Monday through Friday, 9 AM-8 PM EST.
2-1-1 Information And Referral Search
sponsored by United Way and will connect you with services in your local area. Just dial 211. This number will connect to a trained professional who can answer any questions or direct you to the right agency or organization.
PACE (Program Of All-inclusive Care For The Elderly)
A Medicare/Medicaid program that “helps people fulfill their healthcare needs in the community …”. This healthcare can also include dentistry. You must be at least 55 years of age and live in an area that offers PACE.
Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA)
They support federally funded health centers for people with limited income or no insurance. Many of these centers offer payment options that are based on your financial situation. Visit the website or call 1–888–275–4772.
The Dental Life Network
Formerly the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, provides “access to comprehensive dentistry for people with disabilities, who are elderly, or who are medically at-risk.” There is a national network of 17,000 dentists and 3700 dental labs that offer free dental treatment. You can visit their website to find out your eligibility or call 303-534-5360.
Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH)
a non-profit organization, provides free dental care for those who are in need. Volunteer dentists and hygienists give their time to help at events across the country. Because of the large number of patients served at each event, treatment only includes cleaning, filling, extraction, and extraction.
United Way Offers Free Dental Care
A non-profit organization that has chapters all over the country and around the world. They may be able to help you find low-cost or free dental care. Their website allows you to search for your nearest chapter.
Dental Schools Might Provide Free Dental Care
They offer low-cost, high quality care. They often have clinics where students can work with patients and make dentures. The American Student Dental Association has a list of schools for each state. For preventative care, you can also look at schools of dental hygiene.
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
a non-profit organization that aims to “broaden accessibility to affordable healthcare for the medically underserved,” is a non profit that ensures that both the insured and the uninsured have access to medical and dental care. 1200 clinics are located all across the country to help achieve this noble goal. Search for free care on their website or call 1-703-647-7427.
