Dental Grants in Indiana

Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Rachel

After retirement, all you need as a senior is a quiet and comfortable place to live the rest of your life stress-free, and Indiana offers this for you. The state has beautiful parks, museums, and libraries that are little pieces of heaven for the elderly. In addition, the cost of living is below the national average, and it has affordable housing and low crime rates.


There’s so much security, and an affordable roof can do for an older citizen. However, there are other challenges they face that may require further assistance. The older you get, the faster your health deteriorates, especially your oral health. Dental treatments are expensive and pose a burden on seniors with little to no sources of income.

The state, local and federal governments, other organizations, and the private sector have worked to put in place resources and programs that will assist seniors with dental costs.

Are There Grants For Dental In Indiana?

Dental grants are legit in Indiana and are awarded for increasing the accessibility of dental care services to undeserving families, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income earners. Non-profit organizations, administrators, and foundations fund volunteer dentists who run programs that offer free or reduced-cost dentistry.

The Dental Lifeline Network, Donated Dental Services (DDS), Indianapolis District Dental Society Foundation, Delta Dental Foundation, and Indiana Dental Association provide financial support to free dental clinics, dental schools, and community health centers. These funds promote fair access to dental care for the disadvantaged population.

How To Find Financial Help For Dental Care In Indiana

The DDS provides comprehensive treatment to seniors over 65 who cannot pay for treatment. The services provided include fillings, cleaning, crowns, extractions, etc. Grants assist individuals who meet one of the following criteria:

  • Permanently disabled
  • Unable to afford dental treatments
  • Older adults over the age of 65
  • Require immediate dental care

The DDS dentists do not offer cosmetic dental treatment or emergency care. Indiana DDS program has 491 volunteer dentists and 97 laboratories and has provided $19 million worth of dental treatment to more than 5,000 patients.

Dental Grants

Dental grants are awarded to fund programs that serve undeserving areas and communities in Indiana to ensure financial constraints are not a factor that hinders them from accessing high-quality dental care. These grants are awarded to free and low-cost dental clinics, community health centers, and dental programs.

Cosmetic Dental Grants

The price of Invisalign ranges from $3000 to $6,000, and veneers cost $450 up to $2,400 per tooth. Considering retirees have no active income and may have no insurance coverage, these prices are too high for them to afford. For this reason, cosmetic dental grants are available to cover the costs of cosmetic dental treatments.

So long as your dentist confirms that your mouth is healthy enough to withstand cosmetic dental procedures, you can apply for these grants. A point to note is that not all dental grants cover these procedures, so speak to your volunteer dentist to confirm the same.

Dental Implant Grants.

A single dental implant can cost up to $6,000. The prices may vary from one dentist to another depending on the number of implants needed, insurance coverage, and preliminary treatments. Whatever the case may be, similar to cosmetic dental implants, implants are costly.

Dental implant grants are awarded to help senior citizens acquire these treatments because they are worth the investment. Speak to your program dentist to ensure your dental grant covers dental implants.

Free Dental Implant Clinical Trials

If you’re working with a budget, then dental implant clinical trials are the right choice for you. Dental implants are provided at a free or reduced-cost price to patients with specific dental conditions under study. Clinical trials are carried out for research to ensure the safety of new drugs, treatment methods, and equipment.

For more information on dental implants clinical trials that you may be part of, read through the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research site.

Dental Schools

Dental schools have dental clinics that allow students to perform procedures on actual patients before they are licensed. Students perform dental procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists.

The Indiana University School of Dentistry launched the Oral Health Research Institute, a testing center for dental products. One of the school’s achievements is Crest, the first fluoride toothpaste in the world.

Are There Local Organizations Or Charities That help With Dental Costs?

Morning Light

The Morning Light charity organization offers hospice care to seniors. They have partnered with nurses and healthcare providers to assist older adults with relieving pain and treating illnesses. Seniors in need and those who can’t afford medical treatment like dental treatments that they require can reach out to them.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities provides financial aid to seniors to help them meet their basic needs and cover medical expenses, depending on available funds. This financial support can help with dental costs they were unable to afford. Here are a few well-known major Churches that Help Seniors who have little or no financial support.

Central Indiana Community Foundation

The Central Indiana Community Foundation has the Central Indiana Senior Fund that invests in programs and organizations that serve undeserving seniors aged 55 and older. The funds are disbursed to free clinics with free senior dental care programs, the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and charities that offer financial assistance.

Are There Free Or Low-cost Dental Clinics In Indiana?

Yes, free or low-cost clinics are available in Indiana. The Delta Dental Foundation’s Smile Help Now connects individuals to free clinics in Indiana. The dentists offer no-or low-cost services and accept a wide range of insurance coverage, including Medicaid and Medicare. These dental clinics include:

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

Here are a few free or reduced-cost clinics in Indiana:

  1. Fountain Square Dental Clinic- Indianapolis
  2. Marion County Health Department Dental Clinics- Marion County
  3. Trinity Free Clinic- Carmel
  4. ECHO Community Healthcare- Evansville
  5. Riggs Community Dental Center- Lafayette

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants In Indiana?

No, Medicare does not cover dental implants in Indiana. In cases of hospitalization for dental procedures, the Medicare Original (Part A) may cover admittance costs incurred, while the Part B Plan may cover prescription medication costs if purchased separately. Apart from Medicare, there exist other programs that offer prescription assistance for elderly individuals.

The best Medicare plan for dental coverage is the Medicare Advantage plan. It comes at an extra cost for coinsurance and has a maximum dental benefit amount limit.

Are There Grants Or Programs For Helping With Teeth Cleaning, Fillings, and Root Canals Costs?

Free dental clinics, community health centers, and dental programs offer teeth cleaning, fillings, decay, and root canals at no- or reduced costs.  Talk to your volunteer dentist at the nearest dental clinic to confirm their discounts on these treatment procedures.

Other Forms of Assistance Seniors Receive In Indiana

Indiana provides health-related resources, help with bills, home repair grants, food programs and transportation support to retirees to help make their lives comfortable.

Financial Assistance

Supplemental Security Income is a federal monthly cash aid disbursed to seniors aged 65 and above to help with their basic needs. Single older adults can receive $771, while a couple qualifies for $1,157 monthly cash assistance.

If you’re a retiree but still want to work, a program is in place to match you with unsubsidized employment opportunities to promote independence.

Charitable organizations also offer financial support to seniors depending on the available funds. Here are the top 10 Charities That Help Seniors in the country.

Seniors deserve to live comfortably after reaching a certain age. The assistance mitigates their challenges due to age. Dental health is a priority for older adults to promote their general health and better lives. All you have to do is utilize the opportunities to achieve this.