Dental Grants in Georgia

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Rachel

In 2018, Kiplinger Magazine ranked Georgia as the third-best state regarding tax issues, social life, and living expenses. Come 2020, Money Magazine listed it as the best place to live in America. Georgia, like fine wine, gets better with time. Although it has affordable housing and the perfect weather, seniors may face challenges and require assistance to cope independently.

Some state and federal programs are in place to assist the elderly in meeting their needs. Dental grants are resources to curb the deteriorating oral health of seniors due to aging and the high cost of dental care services.

Are There Grants for Dental in Georgia?

A team of government agencies and volunteers from private facilities, associations, and organizations are working to provide high-quality oral healthcare to Georgians by protecting them against dental problems.

The Georgia Dental Association and Donated Dental Services (DDS) are part of the team providing free and reduced-fee dental care. A partnership between Georgia Dental Association and Georgia’s Action for Dental Health has birthed a program aiming to boost the oral health of citizens by enhancing good oral hygiene practices and premium dental care.

How to Get Financial Help for Dental in Georgia

DDS volunteer dentists check your eligibility for treatment by assessing your dental report. They will decide whether you will receive free service or a refund if you have already incurred treatment costs. The following individuals are eligible:

• Low-income earners
• Medically fragile or in a compromised condition
• Seniors older than 65 years
• Having permanent disability

You can access the DDS application form on the Dental Lifeline Network website. Applications have been made easier for seniors since there’s a step-to-step guide on how to fill out the form on the site. If insured, use your medical insurance to cover dental costs first before applying for dental grants.

Dental Grants

Anyone who meets the DDS criteria qualifies for a dental grant. These grants fund dental programs that offer high-quality oral services to undeserving citizens.

Cosmetic Dental Grants:Cosmetic dental procedures are essential hence why dental clinics fund their programs. The services include:

• Cleaning
• Fillings with silver or tooth amalgam
• Crowns
• Assessment and exams
• Dental Sealants
• Crowns
• Tooth Extractions

Dental Implant Grants:Community health centers and DDS volunteer dentists can provide dental implant services to disadvantaged persons eligible for treatment. Speak to your dentist for recommendations of clinics and programs that offer free dental implant care.

Free Dental Implants Clinical Trials:Not everyone is eligible for these trials. Non-profit organizations and schools do these trials for research and to contribute to the advancement of dental treatment methods, equipment, and drug innovations.

For safety, students perform the surgeries but under the supervision of expert dentists. Eligible patients with oral conditions may qualify for free or reduced-cost dental implants. If you can’t afford dental treatments, look into clinical trials as an option to save money.

Charities that Help with Dental Costs

Georgia Dental Association: This local organization awards grants to volunteer dentists who run charitable clinics that provide free or reduced-cost services to the underprivileged.

Georgia Transplant Foundation: The foundation assists Georgians that need or have undergone transplants. Because oral health contributes to the general health of an individual, 1.3% of the foundation’s funds have been set aside for dental financial assistance. The dental cost aid comes in handy for seniors who have spent an arm and a leg on an organ transplant.

Veteran Dental Insurance Program: If you are a senior veteran or wife to a veteran with a low income, this program provides discounted charges for private dental services.

Are there Free or Low-Cost Clinics in Georgia?

Yes, there are free or low-cost clinics in Georgia. Approximately 76 dental clinics in Georgia provide free or low-cost services. Here are the dental clinics you will come across:

• Low- or sliding-fee dental care clinics
• Non-profit dental care clinics
• Free dental care clinics
• Affordable, low-cost dental care clinics

Here are a few low-cost or free dental care clinics in Georgia:

1. HEAL Dental Clinic
2. North Fulton Health Center Dental Clinic
3. Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb County
4. Madison County Health Department

Not all clinics offer free dental services. Kindly do your research before visiting any of the clinics for treatment.

Which Medicare Plan has the Best Dental Coverage?

The most important thing to note is that Medicare plans do not cover dental implants. Medicare Part A may cover admission costs, while Medicare part B may cover prescription medication costs if they are purchased separately on admission cases. Prescription Assistance for Seniors can be beneficial for seniors who may be facing financial challenges in obtaining necessary medications.

Medicare Advantage is best suited for dental coverage. Although, it has a dental benefit amount limit and costs more for coinsurance.

Grants that Help with Teeth Cleaning and Fillings Costs

Different grants are awarded for different purposes. Some grants fund programs that offer free teeth cleaning, decay, fillings, and root canal treatments, while others like cosmetic dental grants do not.

Program dentists can give you more information on grants and programs that help with fillings, root canals, cleaning, and decay costs.

Financial Assistance

Georgian senior citizens receive the following assistance from the government, not-for-profit organizations, and charities:

• Home repair grants
• Transportation
• Health-related help like insurance coverage and medical grants
• Free food
• Grants for veterans
• Help with utility bills

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCEP) is a program that trains, equips, and pays older adults above 55 who can work. The program counsels seniors on careers and helps them acquire skills that will enable them to get unsubsidized employment positions.

Supplemental Security Income is a monthly federal benefit paid to seniors 65 and older with low income for basic needs. The amount varies depending on income, assets, and living conditions in the senior’s area of residence.

Dental grants are awarded to ensure undeserving seniors can afford expensive dental care services. The financial aspect has been taken care of by non-profit organizations, dentists, and governments, it is now a senior’s responsibility to make use of the resources available to improve their overall health by prioritizing their oral health.