Low Cost Dental Care

Finding low cost dental care is a common concern for many people right now. More than 100 million Americans go without dental coverage. The average working American, covered by employer health plans, has no dental coverage, or access to very limited coverage. Medicaid and Medicare also offer only a limited safety net. For most people, individual dental coverage is not a feasible option. Many Americans are just one dental emergency away from bankruptcy.

In recognition of these realities, we compiled a list of options for those seeking low cost dental care. Many of the following resources are recommended by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), one of the federal government's National Institutes of Health.

Your options for obtaining low cost dental care may include:

* Clinical trials * Dental Schools * Bureau of Primary Healthcare * Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services * State and local resources * United Way * Comparison Shopping * Free Dental Clinics

Clinical trials

NIDCR is a research organization, and sometimes seek volunteers who have specific dental, oral, and craniofacial conditions to take part in their research studies (called clinical trials). Study participants may obtain limited, free or low-cost dental treatment for the condition being studied.

To find out more about NIDCR clinical trials that you may be eligible to participate in, visit the Clinical Trials section of the NIDCR web site. ClinicalTrials.gov provides a complete list of all federally funded clinical trials. You may also get this information at your local library. To find out of you qualify for clinical trials being conducted at the NIDCR's Bethesda, Maryland, campus, you can call the Clinical Center's Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at 1-800-411-1222.

Dental Schools

At most dental schools and dental hygiene schools provide quality, reduced-cost dental treatment and preventive care. These clinics allow students gain experience by treating patients and providing care at a reduced cost. Students are closely supervised by experienced and licensed dentists and dental hygienists.

You can find out about schools of dentistry or dental hygiene in your area by calling your state dental society or association, or through the telephone book. American Dental Association has a complete list of US dental schools. American Dental Hygienists' Association site provides a list of dental hygiene schools. You may also contact the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse in Bethesda, Maryland on 1-866-232-4528 or (301) 402-7364.

Bureau of Primary Healthcare

The Bureau of Primary Health Care "a service of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)" supports federally-funded community health centers across the Country. Their free or reduced-cost health services also include dental care. For a list of centers in your area, contact the HRSA Information Center toll-free at 1-888-Ask-HRSA (1-888-275-4772) or visit HRSA web site.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the federally funded Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

* Medicare is a health insurance program for people who are 65 years and older or for people with specific disabilities. While Medicare does not cover most routine dental care or dentures, you can find out more about dental procedures that are covered at their website.

* Medicaid is a state-run program that provides medical benefits, and in some cases dental benefits, to eligible individuals and families. Most states provide limited emergency dental services for those 21 or over; some states offer comprehensive services. For those under the age of 21, dental services are provided under Medicaid.

* CHIP helps children up to age 19 who are without health insurance, providing medical coverage and, in most cases, dental services to children who qualify. Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) paved way to provide health care to millions of children across the country. CHIP is jointly financed by the Federal and State governments and is administered by the States. Each State determines eligibility groups, benefit packages and payment levels for coverage. Visit InsureKidsNow website for details on oral health coverage.

State and local health resources

Call your local or state health department to find out more about programs that offer free or reduced-cost dental care.

United Way

Your local chapter of United Way may also be able to direct you to free or reduced-cost dental services in your community.

Comparison shopping

Comparison shopping for dental care is a good idea too. If you are comparing fees, American Dental Association recommends that you ask for estimates on full-mouth x-rays and a preventive dental visit that includes an oral exam and tooth cleaning. And if you have talked with your dentist and still are uncertain, they recommend that you get a second opinion.

We hope the above alternatives will help you in seeking low cost dental care that you need.

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