Dental Grants in Minnesota

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel

Being a senior has challenges due to age, so living in Minnesota as an older adult isn’t a walk in the park. Minnesota has a high cost of living compared to other states in the US because its cost of living is almost at the national average. The high cost of living poses a financial burden on citizens of this state, especially retirees with no active income or little passive income. A need arose for programs to be set up to ease this burden on the elderly and improve their standards of living.

Dental care, like other essential services, is expensive. The government of Minnesota, non-profit organizations, and private entities have joined hands to fund programs that offer free and low-cost dental treatment to seniors through free dental grants.

Are There Grants for Dental in Minnesota?

There are many grant opportunities in Minnesota to support undeserving communities financially. Are dental implant grants legit? Yes, they are. Although real, these grants are not awarded to individuals but are awarded to programs and healthcare that provide free and low-cost dental treatment. The costs of dental treatment depend on a person’s income. A high or 100% discount is offered for low-income earners, while as much as half off to middle-class earners on dental treatment.

How to Find Financial Help for Dental in Minnesota

Grants for dental implants are linked to the hospital receiving financial funding. The programs are run by volunteer doctors who dispense dental care services. Dental implant grants reduce the cost of treatment while ensuring the needy receive high-quality care from experienced dentists. Seniors are eligible for dental implant grants if they meet the organization’s criteria.

How to Get Help with Dental Implants in Minnesota

Here are dental implants grants available in Minnesota to help you save money:

Minnesota Dental Foundation Grant Program: This foundation offers grants to dentistry that fund non-profit organizations that run programs that dispense dental treatment, promote volunteering within the profession, and supports careers in dentistry, especially in underserved regions. The highest amount offered in the grant is $10,000.

Health Department Dental Grants: The Minnesota health department offers annual repeat grants to schools, universities, non-profit organizations, and individuals. The applications are made online on their website, and information on grants is available to everyone. One program funded through grants by the department is dental implant grants, and all the information on procedures, cost of treatment, discounts, and duration is on the Department of Health page.

Dental Implant Grants programs: Senior citizens in Minnesota can apply for these grants and get up to 30% off their treatment cost to cater for expensive cosmetic surgery.  Start at your local health centers when you’re looking for a cosmetic dental grant. This is because the programs are run by dentists, and the centers may be recipients of dental implant grants.

The American Dental Foundation awards the ADA Senior American Access to Care grants to not-for-profit organizations that provide dental treatment to individuals above 62 years.

The best part about dental grants, if you’re insured, your dentist will make your grant application, and insurance covers the remaining cost.

Dental Clinical Trials: Clinical trials run by dentistry colleges, universities, and schools offer research opportunities while providing affordable dental treatment to low-income individuals like seniors. The University of Minnesota is one institution that runs dental clinical trials. It has an Oral Clinical Research Centre that progresses the simple and theoretical knowledge and new technical treatment innovations to patient-oriented practices.

The Minnesota Craniofacial Research Training Program teaches next-generation dentists to explore matters of oral health while providing no-cost, supervised, and quality dental care services to participants of the program.

You can find out more about clinical trials available by the university here and on the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for information on dental clinical trials in Michigan.

Charities that Help with Dental Costs

Some charities and foundations help elderly citizens pay their dental costs. These charities do so by starting foundations or funding free clinics that provide free oral healthcare for those who need treatment.

Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation: this group of non-profit organizations and donors sponsor dental programs that reduce the burden of dental costs on seniors.

Community Dental Care:the non-profit organization serves individuals from all walks of life, some of who can’t afford dental costs. The treatment cost is low, and they accommodate many insurance covers. They perform preventive, restorative, and emergency dental procedures.

In addition to providing dental care, these charities help seniors with their physical, emotional, and social needs.

Free or Low-Cost Dental Clinics in Minnesota

Hope Dental Clinic: All you need is $20 for the administrative fee, and the rest of your treatment is free, even without insurance coverage. This clinic provides services to needy seniors to promote their oral and general health.

Caring Hands Dental Clinic: Services offered include dental crowns, dentures, fillings, etc. at low costs. The clinic accepts Minnesota Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare insurance. You can visit Caring Hands for professional services to ensure the fastest recovery and improvement of oral health.

You can find more information on clinics that offer low-cost dental services on the Minnesota Dental Association page.

Does Medicare Pay for Dental in Minnesota?

Medicare does not cover dental care costs, including dentures, root canals, dental implants, and cleanings. Although they don’t allow for direct coverage of dental services, they may settle costs frequently associated with dental implants in the following ways:

• Medicare Part A will not cover dental care costs but may cover your admittance costs.
• Medicare Part D may cover the cost of prescription medications if purchased separately.

Apart from Medicare, there exist other programs that can provide assistance to seniors for prescription expenses.

The best Medicare coverage plan for dental costs is Medicare Advantage (MA). However, it requires an extra amount for coinsurance and has a maximum dental benefit amount limit.

To identify the healthcare option that is most suitable for you, it’s important to compare Medicare and private health insurance. This can assist you in discovering the one that caters more to your particular healthcare requirements.

Are there Programs that Help with Decay and Teeth Cleaning Costs?

Yes, some government grants can help with decay, cleaning, root canals, and filling costs. In addition, these services are free or at discounted prices in free dental clinics, community health centers, and dental clinical trials.

Is There Help Offered to Seniors By Local Agencies On Aging in Minnesota?

Seniors in Minnesota receive financial, health care, free food, and house repair grants to help meet their basic needs and ensure they thrive.

Financial Assistance: Seniors above 55 can apply for Minnesota General Assistance (GA) to receive a $203 monthly allowance. Emergency General Assistance is disbursed annually to meet more urgent basic needs.

Supplemental Security Income and Minnesota Supplemental Aid are financial support programs that provide monetary assistance to help seniors above 65 navigate the high cost of living in Minnesota. Even though you’re not eligible for SSI you can still be eligible for Minnesota Supplemental Aid.

The high cost of dental treatment should not rob you of your smile. You should visit the nearest dental clinic to get information on dental grants and programs that offer free dental services for seniors. You’re only a click away from the help you need, visit the official websites above and get all the information you need before choosing the program best suits you.