Dental Grants in Delaware

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

Delaware was ranked the most tax-friendly state for seniors. This is because social security fees are not taxed, and there is no property or inheritance tax in this state. Besides these benefits, Delaware has astonishing ocean views and fresh breezes, making it one of the best states for seniors.

However, the cost of living in Delaware is slightly above average, which may be a challenge for older adults. Age comes with immune compromises, oral health problems, and general body weakness, limiting the elderly from meeting their basic needs. Two decades before retirement, dentures were not in any senior’s mind.

Now, with little to no income, the high cost of dental care services has become a nightmare for every older adult. The good news is that their programs and resources assist seniors facing dental challenges and put smiles on their faces.

Are Dental Grants Real?

Yes, dental grants are legit. Different non-profit organizations, governments, and charities award grants to volunteer dentists, laboratories, and free dental clinics. The grants fund programs that provide affordable dental care to underprivileged families, children, the disabled, veterans, and senior citizens.

Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, Donated Dental Services (DDS), Delaware State Dental Society, and American Dental Association have collaborated with organizations to fund free clinics, private dentists, and volunteer laboratories. These grants and donations are the finances used to run dental care programs in rural and marginalized areas.

How to Find Financial Help for Dental Care in Delaware

The criteria set by DDS for dental grants are:

• Have a life-long disability
• Above the age of 65
• Medically compromised
• Individuals who cannot afford treatment because they have little to no income.

If you meet the above criteria, you can make an application online. If you get the grant, the program will send a response in weeks, months, or even a year. So long as you haven’t received a letter of denial, don’t lose hope.

Dental Grants

Dental grants are awarded to programs that help disadvantaged seniors, families, and individuals get free or low-cost dental care.

Cosmetic Dental Grants: Cosmetic dental procedures are expensive explaining why there are grants awarded that cover them. These procedures include dentures, whitening, veneers, Invisalign, crowns, etc.

Dental Implant Grants: Dental implants are equally expensive hence the need for dental implant grants to enable the needy to access these services. Not all dental grants cover implants, so you need to speak to your program dentist to ensure the grants cover these treatments.

Dental Schools: Non-profit organizations fund programs run by dental schools that provide patients with equal and fair opportunities to receive dental care services. These schools set up clinics to enable students to work with actual patients promoting the advancement of dental treatments. The Delaware Technical Community College’s program provides free cleaning services. In addition, seniors can get other procedures like fillings, extraction, and dental examination at reduced prices.

Charities that Help with Dental Costs

Some charities award grants to clinics and community health centers offering free and low-cost dental care services. In addition, local organizations are playing their part by setting up programs for seniors that will help with dental costs.

Delaware Oral Health Program

The program’s goals are:

• Promoting access to dental care for disadvantaged individuals and families.
• Ensure the overall health of the citizens of Delaware is top-notch through the advancement of oral treatments
• To ease the burden of dental diseases on Delawareans by offering free or reduced-cost dental services.
• Providing the infrastructure that will promote public health to prioritize oral health.

Smile Program: The program helps Delawareans save money on cosmetic and restorative treatments, whether insured or not. Dentists are partners that make the program possible and offer low-cost services through grants.

Free or Low-Cost Dental Clinics in Delaware

There are several free or low-cost dental clinics that seniors can turn to when they need high-quality dental care without the fear of running low on cash.

Westside Family Healthcare: The clinics are in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, and Northwest Wilmington. The simple dental treatments provided include fillings, cleaning, and extractions. The clinic has partnered with local experts to perform more complex procedures. The hospital is run on a sliding fee scale policy, with payment depending on an individual’s income.

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center: HJMC accepts a wide range of insurance covers and offers reduced prices for dental care services to seniors who are not insured.

Nemours SeniorCare: This clinic is in Milford and is not a free clinic. A small co-pay is needed for services, and elderly citizens over 65 are eligible for affordable dental treatments.

Federalsburg Dental Center: Located near Seaford, the clinic’s services include fluoride treatment, cleaning, and dental emergencies. The Choptank Community Health Sliding Fee program covers medical and dental care costs.

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants in Delaware?

Due to the extravagant costs of implants, Medicare does not cover dental treatments. In cases where admission is necessary, Medicare Part A may cover admission costs, while Medicare part B may cover prescription medication costs purchased separately.

Which Medicare plan has the best dental coverage? Medicare Advantage is best suited for dental coverage. The only issue with this plan is although you pay an extra charge for coinsurance, they set a maximum dental benefit amount. By making a comparison between Medicare and private health insurance, you can determine which alternative is better suited to meet your healthcare requirements.

Grants that Help with Teeth Cleaning And Fillings Costs?

Free clinics, charitable clinics, and dental schools have programs that help with teeth cleaning, fillings, root canals, and decay costs. Also, grants are awarded to programs that offer these services at an affordable price to undeserving Delawareans.

Your dentist will tell you which dental treatments the grants awarded to their program cover. Make sure to consult with an expert before starting treatment.

Financial Assistance

Senior citizens in Delaware receive assistance that covers utility bills, transport costs, house repairs, health-related challenges, food aid, and grants for veterans. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal monthly program for seniors above 65 who need help meeting their needs. As a senior, you can claim SSI, even when you receive retirement benefits.

Senior Community Service Employment Program is a program for seniors above 65 that pays them while still learning on the job. They are employed temporarily and paid at the highest local or state minimum wage. Moreover, the program helps older adults get work where they can put these skills acquired to good use.

A lot changes when one becomes a senior, especially income and oral health. The good thing is programs and resources are in place to balance the challenges that come with aging. You can now retire in style, with a beautiful smile, and enjoy the fresh Delawarean air.