Dental Grants in Arkansas
As if the mild weather in Arkansas is not inviting enough, it has affordable living conditions making it bearable for retirees with little to no income. The state was ranked the third most comfortable state for seniors.
For this reason, the state and federal government, charity organizations, and the private sector have been working to provide resources for senior residents who prefer to stay there.
One of the challenges that come with age is dental-related problems. The older you get, the higher the chances of your teeth’s health deteriorating. Because of this, programs are in place to ensure the oral health of Arkansas’ senior citizens is taken care of.
Grants For Dental in Arkansas
The oral health of Arkansas citizens has become a priority to the state government. Together with other stakeholders, the government has joined hands with non-profit organizations to promote access to dental care services in undeserving and needy areas.
The Arkansas State Dental Association is working with other groups and foundations to improve the quality of dental treatment dispensed to underprivileged populations. The Donated Dental Services (DDS) works closely with ASDA to ensure these services reach eligible patients. However, the grants do not cover emergency treatment.
The government and organizations fund private clinics and health centers that make dental programs possible.
How to Get Financial Help for Dental in Arkansas
The DDS grants are available to applicants who are:
- Above the age of 65
- Living with disability
- Medically compromised
- unable to afford treatment because they have little to no income.
Once qualified, you can fill out an application form, and attach a dental assessment by your dentist, which the volunteer dentist will review and decide whether you qualify for free or reduced dental care services. You will also include proof of your income as part of the application.
After sending your application, it may be weeks, months, or a year before you get any response. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear from the program immediately. If you don’t qualify for the program you have applied to, you will receive a letter of denial.
Dental Grants
Different organizations have awarded grants to programs run by volunteer dentists and labs that provide reduced dental care. The DDS Arkansas program has 75 volunteer dentists and 15 volunteer labs and has donated over $2.8 million to treating patients.
Cosmetic Grants For Dental Care: The price of cosmetic dental procedures is too high, which has caused most insurance companies not to cover them. There are dental grants that cover cosmetic dental treatment to ease the financial burden on senior citizens. Although cosmetic grants are available, speak to your dentist for confirmation that yours covers the treatment.
Dental Implant Grants: Similar to cosmetic dentistry, dental implants cost an arm and a leg. Some grants fund dental implant procedures to ease the accessibility of dental care for the needy. Your dentist will confirm if your program of choice meets your requirements.
Free Dental Implants Clinical Trials: Do you have long-term issues with your teeth, and getting dental implants goes beyond your budget? Dental implant clinical trials’ purpose is to educate dental students on new forms of treatment and drugs while providing high-quality dental care services.
Dental schools funded by non-profit organizations carry out these trials for research and to allow students to work on actual patients. You need not worry about having a student perform the procedure. It is done under the strict supervision of an expert, and professionals review patients.
If you are looking for free or reduced high-quality dental services, here are some active clinical trials you can learn more about.
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Charities that Help with Dental Costs
Some charities offer specified assistance, while others offer a variety of help to those who need it most. Charities provide finances to seniors to cover medical expenses, including dental costs.
Delta Dental Of Arkansas Foundation
The foundation offers four different grants to promote oral health in Arkansas. These are
- Community grants
- Mini-grants
- Super smiles at school
- Strategic Initiative grants
The community grants fund projects that benefit the undeserving and ignored communities.
Free or Low-Cost Dental Clinics in Arkansas
There are free or low-cost dental clinics in Arkansas run by volunteer dentists to offer affordable services to seniors.
- Arkansas Donated Dental Services
- Charitable Christian Medical Clinic
- Community Dental Clinic
- Harmony Health Clinic
- Arkansas Mission of Mercy
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants in Arkansas?
Dental implant prices range from $2800 to $4,500 in Arkansas per implant, meaning the price for a whole mouth replacement would be over $90,000. Due to the extravagant costs of these implants, Medicare does not cover dental treatments. These include tooth extractions, fillings, dentures, dental plates, and implants.
The question on your mind is which Medicare Plan is best suited to cover dental implants? Despite having a dental benefit amount limit and costing extra, Medicare Advantage will be of more help in covering dental implant costs. To ascertain which healthcare alternative is better suited to your requirements, acquaint yourself with the distinctions between Medicare and private health insurance.
Grants for Helping With Teeth Cleaning And Decay
Free dental clinics have programs that offer simple dental care to older adults in Arkansas. You should visit the nearest free clinic, talk to the volunteer doctor about dental grants they receive, and discuss the discounts you can benefit from.
What Other Help do Seniors Receive in Arkansas?
Financial Assistance
Arkansas is the place to be as a senior. There are resources available for seniors to live self-sufficient and comfortable lives. The assistance they receive, includes transportation, free food, home repair grants, health-related resources, grants for veterans, and help with utility bills.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly stipend paid to seniors above 65 who may or may not be receiving retirement benefits to help them meet their needs.
Senior Community Service Employment Program is a program for seniors above 55 who can still work. The seniors are trained, given temporary jobs, and paid at the highest local or state minimum wage. These skills acquired can get a senior employed permanently.
Some charity organizations like Salvation Army offer temporary financial assistance.
As long as interventions are in place to help undeserving seniors and ignored communities access proper and high-quality dental care services, the ball is now in their court to seize the opportunities and make good use of them.