Do you have urgent dental care needs but are limited by finances? Check out the best dental grants for low-income adults.
This isn’t uncommon as there are lots of people in this category. Luckily, there are dental care grants available to low-income adults. This article identifies these grants while providing basic information about the extent of care.
Also, you’ll find information on requirements for qualifying or accessing such grants.
By the end, you’ll know where to look and what’s needed to access these grants. You’ll want to read on for juicy details on these and more.
Without further delay, let’s jump to business.
Who Qualifies for Low-Income Dental Grants?
Before applying for a dental grant as a low-income adult, you’ll need to figure out who these grants are provided for.
For the most part, most grants seek out persons considered to be among the most vulnerable groups in society. Of course, low income would be one of those selection criteria.
Other likely aspects of qualifying for a dental grant include being a victim of domestic abuse and having certain medical conditions. You might also allow it if you’re a senior, uninsured, homeless, a refugee, a veteran, or disabled.
While true, each dental grant type will have its specific requirements. Our discussion shows that being a low-income adult is the primary need for getting a dental grant.
So, what dental grants are available for low-income adults? This takes us to the next section.
Dental Insurance for Low-Income Adults | As an Alternative
It’s not a secret that most low-income adults find it challenging to foot the bills for their oral treatment. For that, most health insurance companies around the country offer to pay part or the total cost of their oral care.
Some of the tooth services you’ll receive coverage include cleanings, exams, X-rays, tooth extractions, consultations, and more.
Insurance coverage for dental includes Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), Discount Plans, Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO), Indemnity Insurance Plans, and more.
Before benefiting from their coverage, certain conditions must be met. One of them is to purchase a premium plan that will suit your needs.
How much you’ll spend depends on a few factors, including the type of company, level of coverage, and benefits.
But is dental insurance for low-income adults worth it? The answer to this question depends on the premium package you buy. However, you can significantly cut the cost of your oral treatment.
You can receive full or partial coverage, depending on your package. Moreover, there are other benefits you’ll enjoy that will help you down the road.
Dental Grants for Low-Income Individuals
There are several options for dental grants for low-income persons, like the Dental Preventive Clinical Support Program.
More dental grant types include The Dental Lifeline Network, America’s Dentists Care Foundations, Missions of Mercy (ADCFMOM), and Smiles for Everyone.
Low-income adults can also access dental grants from charities like the Louisiana Dental Association Foundation and America’s ToothFairy.
Other grant options include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation and United Way.
As a low-income adult, you can also access dental grants from Dentaid, Medicaid, Medicare, and the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
While there are still more, we’ll only focus on those mentioned due to time constraints.
i. Dental Clinics & Schools
If you’re seeking low-cost dental care, you should consider dental clinics, as these clinics offer much-subsidized services.
These dental school-operated clinics are scattered across the country. Some examples include dental clinics at the University Of Minnesota School Of Dentistry.
Others include the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, the Harvard Dental Center, and the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry Clinic.
Other clinics to visit include UCLA School Of Dentistry Clinics and New York University College of Dentistry Clinics.
ii. Dental Lifeline Network
Dental Lifeline Network offers dental grants to low-income adults and their families.
This assistance extends to the vulnerable, with the mentally and physically challenged included. This organization has a vast network of over 6,500 labs and a presence in over 40 states.
So, what dental services does Dental Lifeline Network include under its grants program? There are several of these, such as oral surgery and dentures.
Other dental services include root canals, extractions, crowns, fillings, bridges, etc. Start your inquiry today for more details.
iii. America’s Dentists Care Foundations, Missions of Mercy (ADCFMOM)
America’s Dentists Care Foundation provides comprehensive grants for low-income adults and other groups to promote quality oral health.
Through its Mission of Mercy Program, this non-profit sponsors and organizes clinics across different locations. Make inquiries to know when a sponsored event is available within your area.
iv. Smiles for Everyone
Smile for Everyone also offers dental grants for low-income adults.
Its sponsors and supporters like CareCredit, Dentist RX, Brasseler USA, Buxton, Natura-Like Dental Laboratory, Inc., and Colgate make this possible.
Smiles undertakes both local and international dental projects for Everyone. So, how do you take advantage of such grants? You can start by contacting this non-profit.
v. Louisiana Dental Association Foundation
If you live in Louisiana, you’ll find a variety of grants covered by the Louisiana Dental Association Foundation (LDAF).
Such grants aren’t offered directly to low-income adults but as a form of support for dental clinics catering to this category of people (low-income adults).
vi. America’s ToothFairy
Have you heard about America’s ToothFairy? This is a dental health organization that offers comprehensive access to dental services.
Its primary targets include families within the low-income bracket. This objective is achieved through its partnership with non-profit dental clinics.
vii. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation
Through its Give Back a Smile program, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry helps restore smiles to the lives of battered adults who are victims of sexual & domestic violence.
Are you a low-income adult that falls into this category? You can check the application requirements for details.
viii. Dentaid
Whether you live in the UK or overseas, Dentaid is one dental charity to consider for free dental care.
Its unique operational strategy involves traveling the country in its mobile dental units to offer outreach dental care services to people in need. Of course, this includes low-income adults.
If you’re overseas and are interested in applying, you must visit its overseas page for details and application requirements.
Targeted groups include refugees, abuse survivors, cancer patients, patients recovering from addiction, and impoverished people.
ix. Medicaid
As a state-run program, Medicaid offers a wide range of dental care while catering to various healthcare challenges.
Who qualifies to access dental grants provided by Medicaid? Your research will determine a more detailed answer. Plus, each state has its extent of coverage.
x. Medicare
There’s a limit to the degree of Medicaid coverage you’ll get when applying for this grant.
You’ll have to pay 100% for non-covered oral care procedures. It’s also important to mention that Medicare extends to other healthcare procedures.
xi. Substances Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Besides promoting patients’ mental health, the Substances Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration may also offer dental grants.
However, the availability of such grants may be a bit difficult sometimes. You’ll need to contact the organization for details about its program.
Some dental grants for low-income adults can be accessed and explored. This can be done through research on each opportunity mentioned.