Dental Grants in Pennsylvania

Free and Low-Cost Dental Care for Pennsylvania Seniors: Complete 2026 Guide

Last updated: January 10, 2026

Key Takeaways

Bottom Line: Pennsylvania’s Medicaid provides limited dental coverage for adults, but multiple verified options exist for seniors needing affordable care. Success requires understanding which programs fit your situation and having proper documentation ready.

What You Need Right Now:

• The Current Reality: Pennsylvania Medicaid covers basic dental services for adults including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency services, but comprehensive care requires approved exceptions
• Income Requirements (2026): As of 2026, the most recent HHS Federal Poverty Level (FPL) used for Pennsylvania (48 contiguous states + D.C.) is $15,650/year for an individual (about $1,304/month).
• Free Care Available: Confirmed operating dental schools and clinics serve seniors, though most have wait times of 2-12 weeks
• Documentation Required: Photo ID, income verification, and residency proof needed for most programs

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DENTAL EMERGENCY HELP – GET CARE TODAY

If you’re having a dental emergency right now:

Immediate Emergency Resources

1. Penn Dental Medicine Emergency Services

• Phone: (215) 898-8965
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
• After Hours: Go to University of Pennsylvania Hospital or nearest hospital
• Address: 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
• Emergency Fee: $50 consultation fee plus additional costs for X-rays or treatment

2. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Emergency

• Phone: (412) 648-8616 for adults 18 and older
• After Hours: (412) 440-2239 to speak with dental resident on call
• Address: 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
• Services: Assessment, pain management, urgent dental procedures

3. Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry

• Phone: Contact main number for emergency scheduling
• Address: 3223 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
• Note: Only clinic in Philadelphia providing dental care under sedation for Medicare-eligible adults needing endodontic and restorative care

4. Hospital Emergency Rooms

• When to Go: Severe facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, fever with tooth pain
• What They Do: Emergency stabilization and pain management – they cannot perform dental procedures
• Cost: Expensive, but required to provide emergency assessment

Emergency Documentation Checklist

• Required ID: Photo identification (driver’s license or state ID)
• Insurance: Medicare cards, Medicaid cards if available
• Medical Info: Current medications list, medical conditions
• Contact Info: Phone number and emergency contact

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Understanding Pennsylvania’s Dental Care Landscape for Seniors

Current Medicaid Coverage

Adults enrolled in Pennsylvania Medicaid are eligible for exams, x-rays, teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, dentures, extractions, and other surgical procedures and emergency services related to treatment for symptoms and pain. However, coverage has significant limitations:

What’s Covered:

• Oral exams and assessments, X-rays, cleanings (limited to once every 180 days), cavity fillings, extractions, palliative treatment for pain
• One set of dentures per lifetime (absent approved exceptions)
• Emergency dental services

What’s NOT Covered:

• Dental implants, adult orthodontics
• Root canals and crowns require approved exceptions
• Cosmetic procedures

Legislative Progress

A state House bill passed the Democratic-controlled Pennsylvania House in a bipartisan 153-50 vote to restore dental services for adults with Medicaid coverage. Coverage for many adult dental services was cut in 2011 under former Governor Tom Corbett as a cost-saving move estimated to save about $18 million in state funds.

Health Connections: Why Dental Care Matters for Seniors

Poor oral health significantly impacts overall health for seniors:

• Heart Disease: Gum disease bacteria can enter bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular problems
• Diabetes Complications: Gum disease makes blood sugar control more difficult
• Pneumonia: Bacteria from infected teeth and gums can be aspirated into lungs
• Malnutrition: Tooth loss leads to difficulty eating nutritious foods
• Social Isolation: Dental problems can cause embarrassment and reduced social interaction

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Verified Free and Low-Cost Programs for Pennsylvania Seniors

1. Penn Dental Medicine (University of Pennsylvania)

Why Choose Penn Dental Medicine:

• Costs 50%-70% lower than private practices
• Student dentists work under close guidance and supervision of expert, experienced dentists
• The Robert Schattner Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected dental schools

Two Locations:

Main Campus:

• Address: 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
• Phone: (215) 898-8965
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

PHMC Cedar Campus:

• Address: 501 S. 54th Street and Cedar Avenue, Philadelphia
• Services: General dentistry, oral medicine, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, custom care for patients with disabilities

Available Services:

Insurance Accepted:

• All Medicaid plans offered to residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania
• Most major dental insurance plans
• Self-pay with payment plans available

Getting Started:

1. Schedule initial examination online or call (215) 898-8965
2. Arrive on time for your appointment
3. If your dental needs fit the teaching program, you’ll be assigned to a student dentist

2. Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry

Unique Advantages:

• One of the largest dental clinics in the Philadelphia region
• Only clinic in Philadelphia providing dental care under sedation for Medicare-eligible adults needing endodontic and restorative care
• Fee reduction plans available for eligible patients, including Dental Pass program and income-adjusted sliding scale fees

Contact Information:

• Address: 3223 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
• Phone: Contact main number for appointments
• Services: Full range of community dental care needs, from preventative care to restorative and oral surgical procedures

Additional Services:

• Advanced Dental Sedation Center provides pediatric and adult care under moderate to deep sedation
• Primary medical care clinic in same building operated by Greater Philadelphia Health Action

3. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine

Services Available:

• Address: 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
• Phone: (412) 648-8616
• Emergency Services: Adults 18+ call (412) 648-8616; after hours call (412) 440-2239
• Emergency Fee: $50 consultation fee, additional fees for radiographs or dental treatment

Insurance:

• Most major insurances, most major credit cards, and cash payments accepted
• Financial information specialists available: (412) 648-3100, Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4:30 PM

4. Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program

How It Works:

• Volunteer dentists provide comprehensive treatment to eligible patients
• Applicants must have no means to afford dental care and meet ONE of the following criteria: over 65 years of age, permanently disabled, or need medically necessary dental care

Program Current Status (January 2026):

• Not accepting applications in certain counties: As of the latest Pennsylvania DDS program page, applications are not being accepted from Crawford and Erie counties at this time.

• Medical exception (even if your county is closed): If you have documentation from a physician stating you cannot receive essential medical treatment due to your dental condition, you may still apply even if your county is closed.

• Veterans: If you’re a veteran and meet the program qualifications, you may apply even if your county is closed.

Contact Information: Southeast Pennsylvania (Philadelphia area):

• Coordinator: Marsha Thomas, DDS
• Phone: (724) 568-4343

Rest of Pennsylvania:

• Coordinator: Tammy Walker, DDS
• Phone: (717) 776-3262
• Address: PO Box 205, Newville, PA 17241

5. Additional Dental Schools and Programs

HACC Dental Treatment Facility:

• Phone: (717) 780-2441
• Services: Basic dental services and referrals

Westmoreland County Community College:

• Phone: (724) 925-4283
• Services: Dental hygiene clinic

Montgomery County Community College:

• Address: 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
• Phone: (215) 641-6483
• Services: Dental hygiene clinic

Luzerne County Community College:

• Address: 1333 S. Prospect Street, Nanticoke, PA 18634
• Phone: (570) 740-0446
• Services: Benco Dental Clinic

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Medicare and Insurance Options for Pennsylvania Seniors

Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B)

Reality Check: Medicare does not cover routine dental care for adults. Limited exceptions include:

• Hospital-based procedures requiring medical admission
• Medicare Part A may cover facility costs for certain oral surgeries
• Medicare Part B may cover separately purchased medications

Medicare Advantage Plans

Dental Coverage in Pennsylvania (2026 options)

• Stand-alone dental plan premiums (Pennie marketplace): For adults buying stand-alone dental coverage through Pennsylvania’s exchange (Pennie), 2026 premiums range from about $5 to $41 per month.

• Annual benefit caps (plan maximums): These vary by plan. Examples from 2026 plan materials show adult annual maximums commonly around $1,000–$1,500 per person in some marketplace plan comparisons and $1,500–$2,000 per insured person in some off-exchange consumer plans.

• Deductibles + waiting periods: Also vary by plan. Some 2026 plan comparisons show $50–$100 individual deductibles and major-service waiting periods ranging from none up to ~18 months. Other 2026 consumer plan summaries note no waiting period for preventive and certain basic services, but waiting periods (e.g., 12 months) for some higher-cost services.

• Medicare Advantage (MA) dental benefits (important note): Dental is commonly offered as an “extra benefit” in MA plans, but coverage details can differ widely (networks, covered services, annual maximums, cost-sharing, waiting periods).

Pennie (Pennsylvania’s Health Insurance Marketplace)

Pennsylvania operates a state-run health insurance exchange called Pennie for the sale of certified individual/family dental plans.

Pediatric Dental Plans:

• Stand-alone pediatric dental plans available via Pennie are ACA-compliant with out-of-pocket costs not exceeding $400 per child in 2024 (or $800 for all children on a family plan)

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Mission of Mercy and Special Events

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh

What It Is: Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh is a free, two-day dental, vision, and hearing clinic serving patients in need. All services are provided FREE of charge, and there are no eligibility or insurance requirements.

Services Provided:

• Free dental care (cleanings, fillings, extractions)
• Free vision care and eyeglasses
• Free hearing exams and hearing aids
• All services provided by volunteer staff of more than 1,700 including doctors, dentists, nurses, clinicians and imaging technicians

Contact:

• Website: mompgh.org
• Volunteer Information: For more information and to register as a volunteer, visit MOMPGH.org/volunteer

Mission of Mercy Pennsylvania (Statewide)

Mission of Mercy Pennsylvania dental services are provided at no cost to individuals who cannot afford dental care. Treatment is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Hundreds of people attend this event for care, so come early. The line for entry can form hours in advance.

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Understanding Dental Costs in Pennsylvania (Updated for 2026)

Medicaid Reimbursement Reality (Most recent published data)

• Provider participation vs. enrollment: The Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health reported that from 2019 through the end of 2020, there was a 13.5% decrease in provider participation alongside a 6.6% increase in enrolled participants.

• How many dentists accept Medicaid: In Pennsylvania’s 2021 Dentist Workforce Survey, 26.7% of dentists providing direct patient care reported accepting Medicaid (and 34.5% accepted Medicare). Among dentists who accepted new patients, 32% accepted Medicaid.

Estimated Costs at Dental Schools vs. Private Practice

Payment Options Available

• Medicaid: Accepted at all dental schools mentioned
• Medicare Advantage: Some dental schools accept certain plans
• CareCredit: Healthcare credit card (be aware of high interest rates if not paid during promotional period)
• Dental school payment plans: Available at most institutions
• Cash discounts: Often available for self-pay patients

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Safety Net Clinics and Community Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

Safety net clinics see patients with limited access to oral health care, such as those with low-income or patients on public insurance who cannot find a private dentist willing to see them. Dental treatment is either done at no cost or on a sliding fee scale.

Finding FQHCs:

• Website: https://my.pachc.org/Find-a-Health-Center
• Services: Primary care and dental services based on sliding fee scale
• Eligibility: Income-based, typically serving patients up to 200% of Federal Poverty Level

Pennsylvania 211

Pennsylvania 211 connects Pennsylvanians in need with resources and services in their community that improve their lives.

Contact:

• Phone: 2-1-1
• Services: Information and referrals to health services, including dental care
• Available: 24/7

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Income Eligibility Quick Reference (2026)

Federal Poverty Level Guidelines for Pennsylvania

Most Programs Use: 133-150% FPL for eligibility

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Special Populations and Inclusive Care

LGBTQ+ Seniors

Pennsylvania dental schools and safety net clinics provide inclusive care for LGBTQ+ seniors. When seeking care:

• Ask about inclusive policies and LGBTQ+ cultural competency training
• Penn Dental Medicine and other dental schools typically have nondiscrimination policies
• Many FQHCs specifically train staff in LGBTQ+ inclusive care

Veteran Seniors

VA Dental Benefits: While Pennsylvania doesn’t have extensive VA dental facilities, veterans may be eligible for:

• Service-connected dental conditions
• Dental care during VA medical treatment
• VA dental insurance programs (VADIP)

Resources:

• VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
• Local VA Medical Centers: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Lebanon, Wilkes-Barre
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a searchable map on their website for Veterans to use their address to find healthcare options (including dental care) nearby

Disabled Seniors

Specialized Services:

• Penn Dental Medicine provides custom care for patients with disabilities and special needs
• Temple’s Center for Patients with Special Needs: call (412) 648-3039, 8 AM-4:30 PM for emergency care
• Many dental schools have specific programs for patients with disabilities

Transportation Assistance:

• Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP): Contact your local County Assistance Office to ask about MATP, which provides transportation to and from medical or dental appointments

Rural Seniors with Limited Access

Options for Rural Areas:

• Rural health clinics are focused on providing primary care services in non-urbanized areas. Availability of dental services will vary by location
• Teledentistry consultations may be available through some FQHCs
• Mobile dental clinics occasionally serve rural areas – contact Pennsylvania Department of Health for schedules

Transportation Solutions:

• County assistance offices may provide transportation
• Area Agencies on Aging often have transportation programs
• Some rural health centers coordinate transportation for dental appointments

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Application Process and Success Strategies

Documentation Checklist

Required for Most Programs:

Application Timeline Expectations

Penn Dental Medicine:

• Initial screening: 1-2 weeks for appointment
• Treatment planning: 1-2 weeks after exam
• Treatment start: Varies by clinic and complexity

Temple Kornberg School:

• Initial appointment: 2-4 weeks
• Specialized care: Additional wait time for specialists

University of Pittsburgh:

• Emergency care: Same day for emergencies
• Routine care: 2-6 weeks for initial appointment

Donated Dental Services:

• Application processing: 4-8 weeks
• Dentist matching: Variable, depends on volunteer availability
• Treatment start: Once matched with volunteer dentist

Success Tips for Seniors

1. Apply to Multiple Programs: Don’t rely on just one option
2. Keep Documentation Current: Income verification expires after 3-6 months
3. Plan Transportation: Factor travel time and costs to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh
4. Bring Caregiver Support: Many seniors benefit from having someone accompany them
5. Ask About Senior Discounts: Some programs offer additional discounts for seniors
6. Maintain Regular Contact: Call monthly to check status but be polite

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Managing Dental Health While Waiting for Care

Daily Oral Care for Seniors

Essential Daily Routine:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Use soft-bristled toothbrush to protect sensitive gums
• Clean dentures daily if applicable
• Rinse with water after meals
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol

Managing Dental Pain Safely

Over-the-Counter Options:

• Ibuprofen: Reduces inflammation and pain (check with doctor about interactions)
• Acetaminophen: Safe for most seniors, good for pain relief
• Saltwater rinse: 1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water
• Cold compress: 15-20 minutes on outside of cheek

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Care:

• Facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
• Fever with dental pain (sign of serious infection)
• Severe bleeding that won’t stop
• Severe, constant pain not relieved by medication

Medication Considerations for Seniors

Critical Drug Interactions: Always inform dental providers about:

• Blood thinners (Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) – may require procedure modifications
• Bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva) – can affect jaw bone healing
• Diabetes medications – can affect infection fighting ability
• Heart medications – may interact with dental anesthetics

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Decision Tree: Choosing the Right Program

Start Here: What is your monthly income?

Under $1,735 (single) or $2,344 (couple) – You qualify for Medicaid:

1. Apply for Pennsylvania Medicaid first
2. Find dentist accepting Medicaid or go to dental school
3. Consider Donated Dental Services as backup

$1,735-$3,000 monthly – You may qualify for sliding scale programs:

1. Contact FQHCs with sliding scale fees
2. Apply to dental schools for reduced-cost care
3. Consider Donated Dental Services if over 65

Over $3,000 monthly – Focus on reduced-cost options:

1. Dental schools for 50-70% savings
2. Payment plans at private practices
3. Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage

Geographic Considerations

Philadelphia Area:

1. First Choice: Penn Dental Medicine (two locations)
2. Alternative: Temple Kornberg School of Dentistry
3. Emergency: Either school’s emergency services

Pittsburgh Area:

1. First Choice: University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
2. Emergency: Pitt dental emergency line
3. Special Event: Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh (annual)

Central/Rural Pennsylvania:

1. Harrisburg Area: HACC Dental Treatment Facility
2. Statewide: Donated Dental Services application
3. Travel Option: Consider traveling to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh dental schools

Age and Health Considerations

Over 65 with Limited Income:

• Prioritize Donated Dental Services application
• Medicare Advantage plans with dental
• Dental schools for immediate needs

Seniors with Disabilities:

• Penn Dental Medicine for specialized care
• Temple’s Center for Patients with Special Needs
• Transportation assistance through County Assistance Office

Emergency Situations:

• Call dental school emergency lines first
• Hospital ER only for severe, life-threatening symptoms
• Have transportation arranged in advance

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Pennsylvania Medicaid cover dental care for seniors? A: Adults enrolled in Medicaid are eligible for exams, x-rays, teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, dentures, extractions, and other surgical procedures and emergency services. However, root canals and crowns require approved exceptions, and implants are not covered.

Q: How much do dental services cost at Pennsylvania dental schools? A: Dental school costs are typically 50%-70% lower than private practice fees. For example, cleanings might cost $40-60 vs. $100-200 at private practices.

Q: What is the income limit for free dental programs? A: Most programs use 133%–150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). As of January 2026, the most recently issued HHS poverty guideline for a 1-person household in the 48 contiguous states + D.C. (includes Pennsylvania) is $15,650/year.

Q: How long are waiting lists for dental schools? A: Wait times vary: Penn Dental Medicine (1-2 weeks for initial appointment), Temple (2-4 weeks), University of Pittsburgh (2-6 weeks for routine care, same day for emergencies).

Q: Can I get free dental care if I’m over 65? A: Yes, several options: Donated Dental Services program specifically serves seniors over 65, Mission of Mercy events, and dental schools offer reduced-cost care regardless of age.

Q: What should I do for a dental emergency? A: Call Penn Dental Medicine at (215) 898-8965 or University of Pittsburgh at (412) 648-8616. For after-hours emergencies, call (412) 440-2239 in Pittsburgh or go to nearest hospital for severe symptoms.

Q: Do dental schools accept Medicare? A: Temple University is the only clinic in Philadelphia providing dental care under sedation for Medicare-eligible adults. Most dental schools accept Medicare Advantage plans but not traditional Medicare for dental services.

Q: When is the next Mission of Mercy event? A: The next Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh clinic is Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (Downtown Pittsburgh).
Doors open at 6:00 AM, and patients are generally seen first-come, first-served, so lines can form hours (or even the night) in advance.
For the latest patient instructions and any updates, check the official site (mompgh.org) closer to the event.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for dental programs? A: Most programs require photo ID, income verification (Social Security statement, bank statements), insurance cards if available, and current medications list. Some programs also require proof of residency.

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Resources by Region

Philadelphia Area

Penn Dental Medicine – Main Campus

• Address: 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
• Phone: (215) 898-8965
• Emergency: Same number, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Services: Full range of dental services, 50-70% cost savings

Penn Dental Medicine – PHMC Cedar Campus

• Address: 501 S. 54th Street and Cedar Avenue, Philadelphia
• Services: General dentistry, oral medicine, pediatric dentistry
• Accessibility: Serves underserved populations in West/Southwest Philadelphia

Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry

• Address: 3223 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
• Specialty: Only Philadelphia clinic providing dental care under sedation for Medicare-eligible adults
• Features: Income-adjusted sliding scale fees, Dental Pass program

Pittsburgh Area

University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine

• Address: 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
• Phone: (412) 648-8616
• Emergency: (412) 440-2239 (after hours)
• Emergency Fee: $50 consultation fee

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh

• Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center (annual event)
• Website: mompgh.org
• Services: Free dental, vision, and hearing care
• Cost: Completely free, no eligibility requirements

Central Pennsylvania

HACC Dental Treatment Facility

• Phone: (717) 780-2441
• Location: Harrisburg Area Community College
• Services: Basic dental services and referrals

Statewide Resources

Pennsylvania Department of Health Oral Health Resource Center

• Website: pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/healthy-living/oral-health/resource-center
• Services: Information on safety net clinics, dental schools, programs

Pennsylvania 211

• Phone: 2-1-1
• Services: Information and referrals to local assistance programs
• Available: 24/7

PA Coalition for Oral Health

• Website: paoralhealth.org/finding-dental-care
• Services: Resource directory, program information

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Transportation and Access Solutions

Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)

Contact your local County Assistance Office to ask about MATP. MATP provides transportation to and from medical or dental appointments for eligible Medicaid recipients.

How to Apply:

1. Contact your County Assistance Office
2. Provide verification of Medicaid eligibility
3. Show appointment confirmation
4. Arrange transportation 48-72 hours in advance

Other Transportation Options

Area Agencies on Aging:

• Often provide transportation for medical appointments
• Contact Pennsylvania Department of Aging: (717) 783-1550

Public Transportation:

• Philadelphia: SEPTA offers reduced fares for seniors
• Pittsburgh: Port Authority offers senior discounts
• Statewide: Many counties have senior-specific transportation services

Family and Caregiver Support:

• Many seniors benefit from having someone accompany them to appointments
• Dental schools welcome caregivers to assist with communication and transportation

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Clinical Research and Trial Opportunities

Current Research at Pennsylvania Dental Schools

University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine:

• Participates in National Dental Practice Based Research Network
• Ongoing studies in geriatric dentistry
• Contact: (215) 898-8965 for current trial information

University of Pittsburgh:

• Research studies in oral health for seniors
• Clinical trials occasionally available
• Contact: (412) 648-8616 for research participation

Finding Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov:

• Search “dental” + “Pennsylvania” for current studies
• Some trials provide free dental care related to research conditions
• Contact information provided for each study

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:

• Occasional recruitment for studies involving seniors
• Limited opportunities but worth checking periodically

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Patient Success Stories

“I’m 74 and hadn’t been to a dentist in 6 years because I couldn’t afford it on my Social Security income. My neighbor told me about Penn Dental Medicine. The students were so professional and caring. I got a full cleaning, two fillings, and an extraction – all for about $300, which I paid in installments. The quality was excellent.” – Robert M., Philadelphia

“The Mission of Mercy event in Pittsburgh was amazing. I waited in line for 4 hours, but I got $800 worth of dental work completely free. They pulled three teeth that were causing me pain and cleaned the rest. The volunteers were wonderful.” – Mary S., Pittsburgh area

Note: Patients gave permission to share stories; names changed for privacy

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Warning Signs and Safety Information

When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Life-Threatening Symptoms:

• Facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
• High fever (over 101°F) with dental pain
• Severe bleeding that won’t stop after 30 minutes of pressure
• Trauma affecting multiple teeth or jaw
• Severe, unbearable pain not relieved by medication

Avoid These Dental Scams

Red Flags:

• Door-to-door dental services
• “Free” dental work with no income verification or paperwork
• Pressure to sign up immediately without time to think
• Requests for Social Security numbers before verification of legitimacy
• “Mobile dental units” in parking lots without proper credentials

Verify Legitimate Programs:

• Check with Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Verify dental school affiliations
• Ask for proper licensing information
• Legitimate programs require income verification and have established physical addresses

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Looking Ahead: Future Changes and Improvements

Legislative Developments

Medicaid Dental Coverage Expansion:

• State House bill passed to restore adult dental services
• Currently in Pennsylvania Senate Human Services Committee
• Could significantly expand covered services if passed

Program Expansions

Penn Dental Medicine:

• Plans for expanded community outreach
• Additional location considerations
• Enhanced senior-specific programs

Mission of Mercy:

• Continued annual Pittsburgh events
• Potential for additional Pennsylvania locations
• Growing volunteer network

Technology Improvements

Teledentistry:

• Some FQHCs exploring remote consultations
• Potential for rural access improvements
• Pre-screening for urgent cases

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking dental care opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, CMS), state government departments, Pennsylvania dental school websites, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and wait times.

Information Currency:

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

Important Note: Dental programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or dental advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying. Dental program details, eligibility requirements, income limits, and contact information can change frequently. Always verify current information directly with the relevant organization before making decisions about your dental care. This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Income limits and program availability are subject to change based on federal and state legislation and funding availability. All costs and statistics cited are from the sources indicated and were accurate as of the publication date shown. The patient stories included have been anonymized with permission. Dental advice should always be sought from qualified dental professionals.

This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available dental care programs.