Dental Grants in New York

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Rachel

Home of the ‘city that never sleeps’ the state of New York’s ethnic, racial and cultural diversity and liberated population gives retirees a lot to experience from it. Its natural beauty and urban developments can leave one in awe. Also it can be moderately tax friendly and Social Security services are not taxed. Crime rates are low considering the level of security services in the state making it a safer choice for the elderly. There are many employment opportunities even for seniors who’d be interested to work.

However, New York is ranked as the second most expensive state. The high living costs are brought about by the high housing prices, increased population and the bustling business nature of the state. Moreover, winters can be too chilly in New York posing a health problem to seniors who cannot afford heating alternative. If you’re a retiree looking for some peace and quiet, its vibrancy and lifestyle makes New York the last option for you.

Due to its robust development and growth, opportunities have risen to set up strategies that can help citizens, especially seniors to survive in New York.

Are Dental Grants Legit in New York?

Analysis done of the dental situation in New York showed that:

• Dental care providers: the number of general and specialized dentists per 100,000 citizens was 67.1 in 2018, 69.4 in 2019, 70.3 in 2020, 71.1 in 2021 and 68.3 in 2022, higher than the US value of 60.6 in 2022.
• Avoided care due to financial challenges: In 2013, 4.7% of seniors above 65 had untreated dental conditions due to costs, 5.4% in 2016, 6% in 2017, 6.9% in 2018, 5.7% in 2019, 5.6% in 2020 and 3.5% in 2021.
• Uninsured seniors: The percentage of adults aged 55-64 that had no public or private insurance cover in 2021 was 4.9%, 3.4% lower than the USA.
• Dental Visits: In 2020, 69% of seniors above 65 sought dental care services in New York. The frequency of visit was influenced by race, level of education and a household’s income. More educated New Yorkers with a higher household income visited dentist more frequently compared to those from low and middle income households and less educated individuals.

To ensure that seniors prioritize their oral health despite financial issues, individuals, corporations, government agencies and private dentists donate toward programs that aim to improve the oral health of New Yorkers. This is why dental grants for seniors were established, to help get rid of the loopholes leading to inaccessibility of dental care services to undeserving areas and communities. Dental grants are used to:

1. Develop and maintain innovative dental care practices and services that will make it easier to deliver services to isolated and ignored areas.
2. Partner and support local and state organizations that aim to promote the accessibility of dental care services.
3. Come up with sustainable strategies to solve the challenges that contribute to the inaccessibility of oral healthcare

How to Find Help for Dental Care in New York

At state level the New York State Department of Health and New York State Dental Foundation are working on different approaches to ensure uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers receive quality free or discounted dental treatments by assessing the credibility, feasibility and effectiveness of dental programs. Dental Lifeline Networks and Delta Dental of New York also fund programs that come up with promising dental innovations to advance the dental healthcare system.

The different organizations awarding grants set different eligibility criteria based on their goals and objectives. You need an oral assessment from your local dentist, get a treatment plan and you may be required to pay out-of-pocket for treatments not covered by the grant. These dental grants target to assist seniors above 65, people with disabilities, and households with an income 200% below the Federal Poverty Level.

You can apply for a dental grants with any of New York State Dental Foundation’s programs here.

Dental Grants: If you are unable to pay for dental treatment and you don’t qualify for public aid, then dental grants are a good choice for you to settle your dental expenses. Although they do not cover all dental treatments, they can help with covering comprehensive care.

Cosmetic Dental Grants: Cosmetic procedures are optional and can be very costly. Cosmetic Dental Grants help with up to 25% of ones dental costs making the treatments affordable. The severity of your dental issues, available finances and the length of the waiting list will determine whether or not you will receive a CDG.

Dental Implant Grants: Dental implant grants make it possible for retirees and low-income employees to receive teeth replacements and orthodontic care.

Dental Schools: Dental implant grants awarded to New York University make it possible for them to provide free implants to seniors. The funds also provide an opportunity for the school to run clinics where students dispense dental services and perform dental procedures on actual patients before they get licensed.

Free Dental Implant Clinical Trials: Most dentistry schools run free dental implant clinical trials for research to discover ground breaking dental treatments to rare and severe dental issues. Services you can benefit from at discounted prices are tooth replacement, extractions and examinations. All procedures are carried out under strict supervision by licensed dentists.

Are There Charities that Help with Dental Costs?

Capital City Rescue Mission: The Capital City Rescue Mission is a charity organization with an onsite clinic that offers primary care to homeless, poor, and uninsured individuals. Seniors can get dental treatments for free or at affordable prices at their clinic.

Free or Low-cost Dental Clinics in New York

You can find these ones or many more clinics closest to you by doing a web search:

1. Catherine M.Abate Health Center- Essex Street
2. Cornerstone Family Healthcare: Lipman Family Dental Center- Newburgh
3. Sun River Health Maxine. S Postal- Amityville
4. Tend Dental Cobble Hill- New York City
5. NYU College of Dentistry- New York City

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants in New York?

Medicare does not cover dental costs. However, it has Medicare Advantage plans that can settle dental expenses including dental implants. MA plans cost extra for coinsurance. The plans take a co-sharing approach of payment. Also, the plans have an annual dental benefit amount, usually $1,000.

Grants for Helping with Fillings, Cleanings, Decay And Root Canal Costs

Smiles for All: If you are a senior veteran or living with disability, Smile for All funds programs that promote accessibility of dental treatments and increases the positive outcomes of these interventions for you.

Financial Assistance

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Seniors above 65 with assets worth less than $2,000 and a maximum monthly income of $858 are eligible for SSI to help them buy clothes, pay rent and get food.

The New York Senior Community Service Employment Program: Seniors above 55 can learn skills in their professional areas of interest that they can use in the jobs the program will help them apply for.

Oral healthcare is healthcare too and is an essential service. Dental examinations and preventive care treatments can help with early diagnosis of dental problems before they become severe emergency cases. For this reason underprivileged households and uninsured individuals deserve fair access to dental care services.