Different programs make affordable dental care for low income Americans possible.
The Pew Foundation, a charitable trust which identifies and advances state policy solutions, noted that that "there is a shortage of dental providers treating low-income Americans". CNN estimates that millions of children in America suffer untreated tooth decay. However, low-income Americans who don't have dental insurance can find affordable dental care in their communities. Individuals and families can locate low-cost dental care with proper updated information.
Department of Health and Human Services
The United States Department of Health and Human Services offers a "Find a Health Center" search tool on its website. Individuals can use this tool to locate a health center in their community that provides health care, including dental care, and charges a fee based on their income. Centers are located in cities and rural areas.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield awards grants to community health clinics. These grants provide clinics with the funds needed to offer low-cost or free health and dental care to patients. If you want to take advantage of this program, contact the Blue Cross Blue Shield main office in your state for more information.
State Programs
Assistance for individuals who need access to free or low cost dental care exists within states. Delta Dental of Oklahoma maintains a resource guide for Oklahoma residents that allows them to find free or low-cost dental care. The guide contains information about free clinics, access to diagnostic, routine and emergency dental care and clinic events. The dental center of Northwest Ohio operates the Smile Express Mobile Dental Center. The van travels throughout Northwest Ohio, providing dental services, which include oral exams, cancer screenings, prophylactic teeth cleaning, X-rays as needed, fillings, dentures, extractions and more. The center provides services to underserved children and adults. The mobile center also treats transitional housing and homeless shelter residents. Cleveland children and adults may receive free or low-cost dental care at the MetroHealth Medical System. A federal grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act makes this service possible.
Veterans
U.S. military veterans may obtain free dental care through a federal grant. A military veteran who meets the program's criteria may receive free dental care, from basic to advanced.
Dental Schools
Many dental schools offer low-cost dental care. Use the American Dental Association's search page to locate a dental school in your state. After an examination and assessment of your dental needs, the school's instructor will determine whether the dental school will treat you. Some dental schools will only accept patients whose treatments meet the school's teaching needs.
Dentistry From The Heart
The Dentistry from the Heart program uses the services of volunteer dentists to bring free dental care to underserved, low income and uninsured individuals. The program holds events in communities throughout North America at which people who need dental care can receive examinations and treatment.
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