Dental Grants in Louisiana

Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Rachel

The various festivals that create an opportunity for socialization, tax discounts, and low cost of living make Louisiana a good state to live in, especially for older adults. The rich culture in this state makes it comfortable for retirees who want to experience new things. Despite this, there are challenges that seniors face that causes them to need extra assistance to help in leading better lives. Statistically, about 56% of citizens aged 18-64 have visited a dental clinic this past year, and 18% of seniors aged 65 and above have lost their teeth to dental problems like tooth decay or gum diseases. In addition, 40% of the elderly above 65 have lost more than six of their teeth to dental problems. The number of senior adults visiting dentists and losing their teeth to gum diseases and decay is high in Louisiana compared to other states in the USA.


In this regard, the state, local and federal governments, non-profit organizations, and community foundations are leading projects and benefits that strive to make dental treatments accessible to low-income earners and the ignored communities in Louisiana.

Are Dental Grants Legit?

The high cost of dental treatments has made it difficult for low and middle-class income earners to afford this necessary medical need. Many citizens, especially older adults, pregnant women, children, and people living with disabilities, do not prioritize their oral health care because of financial constraints.

The Louisiana Dental Association (LDA), America Dental Association, Dental Lifeline Networks, Louisiana Department of Health, and other private dentists are all stakeholders in programs that promote access to dental care services to ignored populations and areas.

How to Get Financial Help for Dental in Louisiana

There are different types of dental grants that cover various dental treatments. Many organizations and state agencies that offer these dental grants set eligibility criteria that have to be met for one to qualify to receive the dental grants they offer.

The Dental Lifeline Network has a program, the Donated Dental Services (DDS), run by a group of volunteer dentists all over the state who provide comprehensive dental treatment to the underprivileged in society. For seniors who have no means of paying for dental treatments, DDS awards grants to individuals who:

  • Medically require dental care
  • Are aged 65 and above
  • Have permanent disabilities.

Once you meet the criteria, you can begin the application process through the Dental Lifeline Network by filling out this form. If you cannot complete the application online, you can reach out to the program coordinator in your state, who will arrange for you to receive your paper form in the mail. DDS does not offer emergency treatment or cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Dental Grants: State, local, and federal government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, charities, and local establishments award dental grants to programs that offer dental care services to those who can’t access these services due to financial constraints to improve the oral health of citizens of Louisiana.

Cosmetic Dental Grants: Cosmetic dental procedures are an individual’s personal choice. Anyone who wants the procedure performed to return their confidence and promote their oral health can apply for this grant. All you need is proof that your mouth is healthy enough to support the procedure. Once you apply, the nearest program dentist will perform a free dental examination and determine whether you qualify for free or reduced-cost dental treatments. You must use your CDG within three months, and they only apply to elective cosmetic procedures.

Dental Implant Grants: Dental implant grants are awarded for dental implant treatments to be affordable to a larger population, mainly seniors, veterans, children, etc. The local health center is the best place to start looking if you’re searching for a dental implant grant.

Free Dental Implant Clinical Trials: Clinical trials offer dental implants at affordable prices to patients with specific dental conditions under study. The main reason for clinical trials is to test the safety and efficiency of new medications, equipment, and treatment methods that will promote the advancement of dental care services.

You can learn more about completed and ongoing dental implant clinical trials on the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website.

Are There Charities/Local Organizations That Help with Dental Costs?

The burden of oral health care is not only for the state and federal governments. Charitable and local organizations are stepping up to ensure high-quality dental treatments are affordable to those who can’t afford them.

Mission of Mercy: The Louisiana Mission of Mercy is hosted by the LDA, America’s Dentist Care Foundation, and LSU School of Dentistry. The LaMOM is a large-scale clinic that offers services like x-rays, extractions, cleanings, fillings, root canals, etc., to children, seniors, and individuals who can’t afford dental care services. Anyone willing to attend receives dental services on a first-come-first-served basis.

Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities offers financial assistance to seniors to help them settle emergency expenses and bills. They also have programs that cater to the healthcare of economically challenged seniors. There are other options too that are available for seniors to receive help from churches or other charitable organizations.

Free Or Low-cost Dental Clinics Near Me in Louisiana

Free or low-cost dental clinics offer affordable, low-cost, free, or sliding-scale services to those who cannot afford dental care services. Not all dental clinics are free. Some require small payments for x-rays or lab work. These clinics are run by volunteer dentists who commit their time and skills to serve the needy in the community. If you’re looking for a free or low-cost clinic in or around your city, just make a web search like “free dental clinic near me” and the result may have a list of them available for your perusal. There are approximately 43 free or low-cost clinics in Louisiana state.

  1. PHSC Dental Clinic- Monroe
  2. Affordable Smiles of Metairie- Metairie
  3. Affordable Dentistry- Monroe
  4. Louisiana Dental Center- New Orleans
  5. Louisiana State University School of Dentistry- New Orleans

Does Medicare Pay For Dental Implants?

No, Medicare does not cover dental implants. However, in cases where hospitalization is necessary for a dental procedure, Medicare may cover the indirect costs of admission and prescription medication. For seniors who have difficulty affording the expense of their medications, prescription assistance programs can help with the costs of their medications. Seniors can get the Medicare Advantage Plan to help pay their dental bills. It is the best plan for dental coverage, but it comes at an extra cost for co-insurance and has a dental benefit amount limit. To select the healthcare option that is most suitable for your needs, it is crucial to comprehend the differences between Medicare and private health insurance.

Are There Grants/Programs for Helping with Teeth Cleaning, Fillings, Decays and Root Canal Costs?

Donated Dental Services: The DDS has 390 volunteer dentists and 78 laboratories, has provided $12 million worth of treatment, and has served more than 5,000 patients in Louisiana since 1987. These procedures and treatments are offered free by volunteer dentists to help ease the financial burden on seniors.

Program of ALL Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): The PACE program is run by Catholic Charities that assist older citizens with healthcare, transportation, and medication services. Depending on the available funds, they may provide cash aid that helps cover dental costs and other expenses.

Assistance for Seniors in Louisiana

The elderly in Louisiana have the following benefits:

Financial Assistance

Social Security Income is a monthly cash payment provided by the Social Security Administration to seniors above 65 to help them pay bills and settle emergency expenses.

Louisiana is a great place for seniors to live in not only because of the rich culture, low cost of living, and senior-friendly taxes but also because the relevant authorities have prioritized the smiles of the needy and undeserving by ensuring they, too, have access to high quality and affordable dental services.