Dental Assistance for Seniors

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel

Health expenses and dental bills sometimes become highly expensive, particularly for older residents who are having financial challenges. As people get older, they need to get their teeth checked and have them examined by a dentist. Even though it sounds costly, there are various programs and benefits for seniors to receive dental assistance. Let’s check out some of these programs.

Medicare

Medicare is the official health assistance program of the federal government for low and middle-income people across the country. It covers medical expenses, emergency bills, personal care costs, and more. Although Medicare does not pay for dental fillings, cleanings, root canals, and dentures, it covers dental-related emergency medical examinations such as tooth extraction before some other surgery. For further information, please go to the link https://www.medicare.gov/ or make a phone call at 1 800 633 4227 or 1 877 486 2048. Comparing Medicare and private health insurance can help you decide which option is more suitable for your healthcare needs.

Dental Lifeline Network

Dental Lifeline Network is a non-governmental charity-based organization that was created in 1974. It offers free dental care and education for people who are in economic hardship and have a permanent disability, or are 65 years of age or above, or are in fragile condition medically. Seniors who fit these criteria and need dental care are urged to apply to this organization to see whether they are eligible or not. This organization has three major dental support programs which are Donated Dental Services, Dental HouseCalls, and Bridge/Campaign of Concern. Donated Dental Services is the biggest program that offers free and comprehensive dental treatment particularly for the elderly. To learn more information, please follow the link https://dentallifeline.org/about-us/our-programs/ or dial 303 534 5360.

Community Health Centers

These centers were built and have been subsidized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for families and individuals who need health support. Each community health center has divergent programs based on the changing needs of residents, but all of them have free dental care support. To see the programs in your state, please visit https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ or call the toll-free number at 1 877 696 6775.

American Dental Association

This is one of the largest and most efficient charity-based establishments that offer dental care support for low and middle-income persons. It assists its beneficiaries with a great deal of programs depending on their state. To see the dental care opportunities in your region, click on the link https://www.ada.org/en/coda/find-a-program/search-dental-programs#t=us&sort=%40codastatecitysort%20ascending or contact 800 232 6108.

Dentistry from the Heart

It is a non-profit dental care establishment that aims to reach out to everyone in need of dental care support. Seniors who require medical care but are not able to pay for it are qualified for this benefit. This organization is highly active and organizes different events during the year. Local dentists assist people with free cleaning, filling, and extraction at these events. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://dentistryfromtheheart.org/ or make connections with 1 727 849 2002.

Program of All-Inclusive care for the Elderly (PACE)

PACE is the largest health care assistance for low and moderate-income older citizens who are 55 years of age or older. The services of this program are adult day care, emergency treatment, dentistry, home care, meal support, hospital care, nursing home care, occupational-physical therapy, transportation, and more. Eligible candidates can benefit from these services based on their state of health. The link to their official website is as follows https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/long-term-services-supports/pace/programs-all-inclusive-care-elderly-benefits/index.html or get in touch with 1 877 486 2048.

Dental School Clinics

It might sound interesting but most dental schools offer free or affordable dental care assistance in their clinics. Seniors who need dental care assistance and are not accepted by any other program or organization may look for dental schools in their state and communicate with them. Some of them offer plentiful benefits for seniors who are struggling financially.

Asking for Discount

If none of these options work for you and you prefer to go with your local dentist, it is common to ask for a discount. Particularly older residents who are used to going to their local dentist and are not able to afford it at some point may ask for help by explaining their financial condition.

Searching for Deals or Coupons

Newly opened dentist clinics frequently offer deals or coupons to expand their new business in the neighborhood. Keeping up with the latest news might be beneficial for older citizens. Moreover, some dentists provide various amounts of discounts from time to time for their new customers or to get people’s attention. Low and moderate-income senior residents may have coupon packs and sort of medical deals based on their dental condition. You may discover more about discounts and savings that you are eligible for by consulting resources such as The Perks of Being Older.

Local Charities and Churches

Sometimes it might be easier for people to solve their problem with their local Churches that Help Seniors or charity organizations. There is a good deal of charity-based non-profit organizations in each state. Here are the known 10 Charities that Help Seniors across the country. Seniors who are looking for dental care assistance can get in touch with these establishments and can have benefits. Most organizations are generous and sympathetic on health-related issues.

Do you need grant-funded dental services? Find the Dental Grants that are offered in your state.