Dental Grants in North Dakota

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

North Dakota is a small state but can be appealing to seniors. Statistics show that 14% of North Dakotans are seniors, and 32% live in their own homes. The population has a low population density, having been ranked the fourth least populated state. The Peace Garden State has a low cost of living but offers farm opportunities for seniors to make money.

Due to its proximity to Canada, winter can be extremely cold, requiring alternative heating options. Living in North Dakota can be a dream come true for seniors. Ranking among the top 10 richest states of the USA, the state can set up strategies to take care of senior North Dakotans.

Are Dental Grants Legit in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, there is a poor distribution of dental providers, leaving parts of the state with little to no dental care. Many rural residents and low-income earners in urban areas cannot afford dental care because of cost. One in three older adults living in senior homes lacks access to dental care because not many dentists accept Medicaid.

The percentage of seniors above 65 that avoided dental care due to cost was 1.9% compared to the nation’s 3.4% in 2021. According to America’s Health Ranking, there is an average of 59.9 dental providers for 100,000 North Dakotans. In addition, the percentage of uninsured seniors aged 55 to 64 was 8.2% that same year.

Sixty-eight percent of seniors above 65 sought dental care services in 2020. The frequency of dental visits depended on race, household income, and education levels. One in three seniors required dental care services, but the ignorance of oral health led to a waste of $2 billion in emergency rooms in 2020.

Statistics have shown that racial minorities, seniors, people with low education levels, and individuals from low-income households are more likely to lack fair access to needed dental care services, and interventions that target these populations are necessary.

How to Find Help for Dental Care in North Dakota

North Dakota Dental Foundation awards grants to programs that create innovative solutions for complex dental problems. The organization aims to:

• Educate North Dakotans on proper dental practices.
• Improve access to dental care.
• Increase the number of dental providers by sponsoring students interested in dentistry and funding a dental loan repayment program for dental providers

Donated Dental Services is a program that offers comprehensive treatment for patients who require medically necessary dental care but cannot afford it. Since 2000, the program has attracted 104 volunteer dentists and 9 laboratories that have served more than 1,000 patients and provided $4.4 million in donated treatment. You can apply for help if you are disabled, are a senior above 65, and have no means of paying for treatment. You can find out more about DDS and its benefits here.

Dental Grants: Dental grants for seniors are awarded because as they grow older, seniors need routine dental check-ups, despite it being costly to maintain optimum oral health. Retirees don’t have an income and depend on social security benefits. The dental grants fund programs that make dental care services affordable and accessible to seniors in need.

Cosmetic Dental Grants: These are grants available for elective procedures that restore your confidence through your smile. Not all dental grants cover cosmetic dental procedures. Ensure you get a confirmation from your dentist of the cosmetic procedures covered by their CDGs.

Dental Implant Grants: The increased awareness of oral healthcare, the growth of the aged population, and the changing perspective on beauty have increased the demand for dental implants. More people are choosing dental implants over crowns and dentures because they are safer, more efficient, and have a more pleasing outcome.

These demands don’t change the fact that dental implants are expensive. Dental implant grants level the playing field for ignored populations to enjoy the benefits of this treatment and keep up with advancing dental practices.

Dental School Clinics: North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) runs Allied Dental Clinic that provides dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays, periodontal services, etc. The clinic accepts a wide range of insurance covers, including Medicaid and Medicare. Students offer the services at the clinic supervised by licensed faculty staff.

These dental school clinics also offer dental treatments, including implants, at affordable prices to patients participating in their clinical trials. Non-profit organizations fund the research to create an opportunity to develop new and safer dental drugs, equipment, and treatments that will improve North Dakota’s healthcare system.

Are There Charities that Help with Dental Costs?

North Dakota Mission of Mercy: In this two-day mobile clinic event, volunteer dentists from around the state come together to offer cleanings, fillings, extractions, oral health education, endodontic, sealants, and fluoride treatments.

Are There Free or Low-Cost Dental Clinics in North Dakota?

North Dakota has non-profit, zero-cost, affordable, and sliding fee-scale dental clinics. Here are some of them:

1. Bridging the Dental Gap- Bismarck
2. Spectra Health- Grand Forks
3. Dental Care Associates- Minot
4. Parshall Dental Clinic- Parshall
5. Garr Dental Center- Carrington

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants in North Dakota?

The Original Medicare plans (Part A and B) do not pay for dental costs, including implants. Seniors in need of dental coverage can:

1. Purchase a discounted stand-alone dental plan
2. Get dental coverage separately in addition to your Original Medicare plan
3. Upgrade to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that include dental and vision coverage.

The MA plans (Part C) cost extra for coinsurance and have a maximum dental benefit amount. Keep in mind that even with the Part C Medicare plan, you will still pay some cash out-of-pocket to cover your dental expenses. This is because the plan uses a co-sharing approach, meaning it will cover a certain percentage of the bill, not the entire cost. Speak to your insurance provider to learn which option best suits your budget.

Are There Grants/Programs for Helping with Fillings, Cleanings, Decay and Root Canal Costs?

North Dakota Medicaid Program: Medicaid is a public insurance cover funded by the federal government to assist seniors above 65 in affording medical services. Before starting treatment, find out from your dentist that the treatment you want is covered by Medicaid. Medicaid for seniors covers x-rays, fillings, dentures, cleanings, root canals, crowns, and extractions.

Financial Assistance

The Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) is monetary aid that prioritizes seniors in need to promote self-sufficiency.

North Dakota, like other states, has its challenges. The government and other relevant authorities are ensuring that seniors can live independently by reducing the rate at which retirees are moving into senior centers due to financial challenges. All these interventions will reduce the strain on healthcare systems promoting economic growth.