Dental Grants in Oregon

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

Oregon is one of the best states for seniors in the USA. In 2019, Sharecare Wellbeing Index ranked it the fifth-best state to stay in. This can be attributed to the many social events organized to enjoy and appreciate local arts. Also, let us not forget the breathtaking beaches and forests that make Oregon a site to behold.

However, one thing that may put you off about living in Oregon is it rains for most of the year. This increases the prices of utility bills because heating alternatives are necessary for nine out of 12 months, posing a challenge for seniors with little to no income to settle these bills.

Besides the weather, there are challenges that seniors face, like immobility, cognitive disorders, dental health deterioration, and immune compromise, that requires external support to curb them. Expensive amenities like dental care services may push the elderly to ignore their oral health due to financial concerns. The state government and other groups need to look into strategies to ensure that cost is the least of any Oregonian’s worries.

Grants For Dental in Oregon

Oregon has a high concentration of older adults, with 37% of its population being seniors above 50. Retirees above 60 represent 24.2% of the population. Almost 12% of older citizens above 65 live alone. The cost of living is a bit high, making the prices of essential services costly.

In 2021, 5.7% of seniors aged 55-64 lacked public or private dental coverage and avoided dental care due to costs. Studies have shown that 55.2% to 70.1% of dental providers do not accept Medicaid, while only 19.7% to 30.4% accept new Medicaid patients. For every 100,000 Oregonians, there’s an average of 71.5 dental providers, which is above the US average.

A high percentage of seniors above 65 (70.2%), most of them being well-learned and from households with an income above $50,000, visit dental clinics frequently. Older adults above 75 are more likely to be affected by dental conditions than those aged 55-74.

The cost of dental care services and inadequate oral hygiene knowledge led to the need for dental grants to support programs that educate Oregonians on dental-related matters and offer free or reduced-cost services to the underserving.

How can I Get a Dental Grant in Oregon?

Donated Dental Services is a program run by the Dental Lifeline Network. It accepts applicants over 65, people living with disabilities, and patients needing medically necessary dental services. Right here is where you will get all the information you need on the DDS program.

Oregon Oral health Coalition is another stakeholder in the oral healthcare system of Oregon. It also runs and supports programs promoting the state’s oral health. Some of its interventions include water fluoridation, discounted senior dental care services in dental clinics, and mass education on oral hygiene practices.

Dental Grants: Dental grants increase the accessibility of dental care services by supporting programs that dispense free or discounted dental treatments to disadvantaged seniors.

Cosmetic Dental Grants: Cosmetic procedures are elective and extravagant, however, they are necessary. CDGs offer these treatments to people who cannot afford them but are eligible for cosmetic dental treatment.

Dental Implant Grants: Dental implants are the best alternative for tooth replacement. Because they are a worthy investment, although expensive, dental implant grants are awarded to enable low-income earners to afford them.

Free Dental Implant Clinical Trials: Dental schools and non-profit groups fund dental implant clinical trials for research. Students perform tests and procedures on actual patients to assess the efficacy and safety of new treatments and drugs.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research post clinical trials being performed in the USA. Patients with rare or complex dental conditions qualify to participate in these studies. Participation is voluntary.

Charities that Help with Dental Costs

Geriatric Dental Group: This is a non-profitable group that provides reduced-cost dental services to people of all ages who cannot afford dental care services. They are also a service provider and sponsor of the Exceptional Needs Dental Services program.

Oregon Mission of Mercy: Mission of Mercy is a two-day event that allows volunteer dentists to provide dental care services free of charge in an onsite mobile clinic. Since 2010, Oregon’s MoM has served more than 7,500 patients and offered $4.7 million in donated treatments. The date and location of the event are announced online on the MoM website. Services are provided on a first-come-first-served basis.

Free or Low-Cost Dental Clinics Near Me in Oregon?

1. Salem Free Clinics- Salem
2. NARA Dental Clinic- Portland
3. White Bird Dental Clinic- Eugene
4. Neighborhood Health Center- Oregon City
5. Dental Hygiene Clinic- Klamath Falls

You can look up free or low-cost dental clinics by doing a web search.

Which Medicare Advantage Plan has the Best Dental Coverage?

Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B) do not cover dental costs. Although, Medicare Advantage plans are your best option for dental coverage. You will pay extra for coinsurance, and coverage of dental costs will follow a co-sharing approach. You can apply for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries to get help paying coinsurance costs if your income is below $1,133.

These plans also come with their limitations. Medicare Part C plans have a maximum dental benefit amount and do not cover all dental care services.

Programs Helping with Teeth Cleaning, Fillings, Decays and Root Canal Costs

Oral Health Plan (Medicaid): The Oral Health Plan provides dental coverage to low-income seniors through the OHP Plus Supplemental program. The dental benefits covered are yearly cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, and steel crowns for back teeth.

Exceptional Needs Dental Services: The E.N.D.S program provides examinations and assessments, x-rays and extractions to seniors who are disabled and those physically restricted from going to a clinic. It serves those who qualify for the Medicaid program.

Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is cash support given to seniors struggling to pay their utility bills, buy clothes and food, and medical expenses. The assistance promotes self-sufficiency among older adults.

Charitable organizations like The Salvation Army can give cash assistance to seniors facing emergency economic challenges. The amount depends on how much the organization has and the severity of an individual’s situation.

Oral health is a matter to be given priority in seniors because it can affect their standard of living. A holistic approach to promoting the mind and body should be applied to maintain the well-being of seniors. Dental conditions affect a senior’s health and can also change how they see themselves, robbing them of their confidence. These dental-related interventions are developed to ensure the elderly’s smiles are maintained. For more information on grants available to seniors in Oregon, explore our detailed guide on Grants for Seniors in Oregon.