Dental Grants in Colorado

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Rachel

At a certain age, it may prove more challenging to meet some needs as a senior. Considering Colorado has a slightly higher cost of living, this state may prove challenging for the elderly. Another challenge that comes with old age is deteriorating dental health. The extravagant prices of dental care services make matters worse.

There is a silver lining to this cloud. The state and local governments are working with private healthcare providers and organizations to place programs that will make dental care accessible to all.

These programs and the beautiful scenery, good climate, and affordable housing make this state a preferred choice for older citizens.

Grants For Dental in Colorado

The Colorado Dental Association collaborated with the government to run programs that provide dental care services to economically challenged Coloradans. CDA with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing funds and drives programs all year round, made possible by volunteer doctors.

How to Get Financial Help for Dental in Colorado

Dental clinics, private dentists, and dental laboratories are offering underprivileged families, seniors, children, and veterans quality dental care services. The Donated Dental Services Colorado, CDA, and American Dental Association (ADA) have criteria set up for dental grants’ eligibility.

These are the criteria:

• People that are medically compromised
• Seniors aged 65 and above
• People living with disability
• People unable to pay for treatment

If you meet any of the above criteria, you can start the application by filling out this form. DDS has made the application process easier for the elderly by providing step-by-step instructions on how to fill this form correctly on their website.

Dental Grants

Colorado dental grants are donations distributed to dentists, laboratories, and free clinics that provide free treatment of dental ailments and help restore the smiles of Coloradans. Organizations, foundations, private clinics, and dentists have dedicated and committed their skills to serving families, children, senior citizens, and veterans who need dental care.

Cosmetic Dental Grants: Those that qualify for dental grants can also apply for cosmetic dentistry grants. You may incur small fees for lab work or x-rays, but the initial evaluation is free. Cosmetic procedures covered through dental grants include dentures, enamel shaping, bridges, and whitening.

Dental Implant Grants: Your local dentist is in the best position to tell you whether or not the grant you’re interested in covers dental implants. The dental implant grant may also cover cosmetic dentistry.

Free Dental Implant Clinical Trials: The information and knowledge gathered in clinical trials have been a big stepping stone in advancing treatment methods, drugs, and equipment used in dentistry.

Dental schools, medical institutions, and universities offering dentistry courses run clinical trials for research purposes. With clinical trials, you may get free or reduced costs implants or compensation for participating in the trial. They are the best way to save while making money.

Participating in these trials is voluntary. Patients are informed of all the procedures and risks of the research before the procedure. Students carry out dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist to ensure safety.

Moreover, if you need information on clinical trials in Colorado, visit this government clinical trials page for all you want to know.

Charities that Help with Dental Costs

Charities and local organizations offer financial assistance to programs that provide free or reduced dental costs to senior citizens. The help may not be directly to the individual, but through the programs that dispense the services, they are interested in.

Senior Low Income Dental Program: Funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and other sponsors and donors, this program provides dental coverage for the uninsured with no Medicaid. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it will cover dental costs and the remaining covered by the Low Income Dental Program.

Senior Smiles Program: Targeted for seniors in care facilities, the dental bill is charged to an insurance company. However, if not insured, a fixed rate of $150 is charged on procedures. With this program, you get two free exams and cleanings yearly.

Are there Free or Low-Cost Dental Clinics in Colorado?

Yes, there are free or low-cost clinics funded by charities, non-profit organizations, and the government and run by volunteer dentists. The services include sliding fee scale dental clinics, non-profit dental clinics, and low-cost affordable, and free dental clinics.

1. Community Dental Health- Colorado Springs & Pueblo
2. Affordable Dental Clinics- Greeley
3. Dental Aid- Boulder & Longmont
4. Colorado Mission of Mercy

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants in Colorado?

The short version is, no, Medicare does not cover dental implants. The Original Medicare (Part A) and Part B don’t offer dental coverage. Only in cases of hospitalization will Medicare indirectly cover the dental cost. Medicare Part A may cover admission costs, while Medicare part B may cover prescription medication costs purchased separately.

Medicare Advantage plan is the best option for covering dental costs. You will incur an extra charge for coinsurance, and your cover will have a dental benefit amount limit. In order to identify the healthcare option that best meets your needs, it is advisable to become familiar with the contrasts between Medicare and private health insurance.

Programs That Cover Filling And Decay Costs

Free clinics, dental schools, and programs are awarded grants that cover fillings, root canals, and tooth decays. Dental grants awarded to programs help cover the cost of dental services. Different dental grants cater to different dental treatments. Your dental provider is in the best position to explain which programs cover these dental treatments.

Financial Assistance

Seniors in Colorado receive some forms of assistance like health-related assistance, home repair grants, transportation help, free food, grants for veterans, and help with utility bills.

Supplemental Security Income is a monthly stipend offered to seniors 65 and older for basic needs, and the amount varies depending on income and living conditions.

Old Age Pension (OAP) offered through the Colorado Office of Economic Security is a supplemental income given to senior citizens over 60 that adds up to $821 monthly.

Oral health deterioration, coupled with the high costs of dental care services, is a challenge that seniors face. The federal, state, and local government has worked with organizations, dentists, and the private sector to create programs to help older adults with these challenges.

You should make a point to visit the nearest dental clinic near you, learn more about the programs they offer funded by dental grants, and how you stand to benefit from them. The journey to restoring your smile has just begun.