Finding Low Cost and Free Dental Care
- aubrierdh
- May 25, 2015
- 3 min read
On a daily basis, I come across individuals who have had to put their dental care on the back burner due to financial reasons. Whether they are low income or have no insurance, these patients are unknowingly playing a game of roulette with their health. While I understand the financial burden of dental work, there are several resources available to the public which provide free or low cost dental services allowing patients to get the care they need, when they need it.
Health Departments: Across the country, there are several federally-funded health departments supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration. These centers often provide low cost medical and dental care to patients at a price based on their current income. To find a center near you, visit: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
Dental Schools: Many dental collages have clinics which provide reduced costs treatment. While you will be receiving your care from a student, they are always supervised by an experienced, licensed dentist. When visiting a dental school for care, you may be required to complete a screening process and treatment may require more than one visit. Just remember you are not only receiving your needed dental care, BUT you are also playing an important role in the student’s education! You can find a list of accredited dental programs here: http://www.ada.org/en/coda/find-a-program/search-dental-programs/dds-dmd-programs
Dental Hygiene Schools: Just like dental schools, many dental hygiene schools also have clinics which offer reduced cost treatment. While treatment at a dental hygiene school will be limited to dental exams and cleanings it is still preventative treatment that can keep your mouth healthy. Similar to dental schools, dental hygiene students will provide services under the supervision of both experienced, licensed dentists and dental hygienists. Here is where you can find a list of accredited dental hygiene programs: http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/71617_Entry_Level_Schools_By_States.pdf
Even with a reduced cost, some dental work can still be costly. There are some national programs which provide free clinic events to the public. However, at these clinics, dental services are usually limited to cleanings, fillings and extractions. All three of these services are ideal ways to maintain oral health and prevent the spread of infection if this is what your budget allows, then this is better than doing nothing.
Two Major organizations that provide these clinics are Remote Area Medical and Mission of Mercy.
Remote Area Medical (RAM)- RAM was initially founded to provide medical care to people all over the world, mostly those in inaccessible regions. However, as the United States economy has taken a turn for the worse, RAM has shifted their focus to deliver care to those most in need here in the United States. RAM holds a majority of their clinics in Tennessee and the Appalachian area, however they do bring clinics to other underserved communities throughout the United States. To find a RAM event go to: http://ramusa.org/events/
Mission of Mercy- similar to RAM, Mission of Mercy brings medical and dental care to communities in need across the United States. Mission of Mercy events occur in almost every state across the country. To find an event, go to: https://www.adcfmom.org/Schedule.html
Both Remote Area Medical and Mission of Mercy events are typically 2-3 day clinics where patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. While attending and receiving treatment at one of these clinics may be a long process, if you have the ability to attend one and are in need of dental treatment, it would be worth it!
Individually, some dental offices may choose to offer a free dental day to the community. These are at the discretion of the dentist and you may or may not be able to locate one near you. A few sites where these free days are posted are:
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