Dental Grants in Texas

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel

Many seniors are moving to Texas because it is senior-friendly. The state has a high population growth rate thanks to its employment opportunities and affordable living costs. Houston, Dallas, and other counties offer fun outdoor activities that retirees can engage in. The warm weather is nice for seniors and doesn’t pose much threat to their health. However, Texas is ranked 19th in the USA in senior social isolation. In addition, 10% of older adults are poor, 20% are food insecure, 11% are at risk of food insecurity, and 4% are hungry. Also, seniors above 60 in Texas struggle to pay medical expenses, which makes them not prioritize their health due to financial constraints. These and more challenges have created a necessity to develop projects that will enable older citizens to stay in decent living conditions.

Are There Grants For Dental In Texas?

Over 5 million Texans are senior citizens, accounting for 18% of the population. In 2022, Texas had the 38th healthiest older adult population in the USA. That same year, it was the 17th-best state in senior access to care. In 2020, 5.2% of seniors above 65 delayed or avoided care due to costs. In 2021, 17% of seniors aged 55-64 were uninsured, 8.7% higher than in the USA.

In 2022, the average number of dental care providers serving 100,000 Texans was 51, slightly below the national average of 60.6. The frequency of dental visits was influenced by a senior’s level of education, race, and household income. The percentage of seniors above 65 who sought dental care services was 59.4% in 2020. Older adults with a college education (72.3%) from households earning more than $75,000 (71.5%) visited dentists more often than their counterparts.

From these numbers, dental grants are necessary to:

• Mass educate Texans on the importance of oral health to the well-being of individuals
• Sponsor students interested in dentistry to increase the number of dental providers.
• Fund projects that offer affordable or sliding-fee scale services to low-income households.
• Workforce development

How to Find Financial Help for Dental Care in Texas

Dental grants in Texas are available to seniors who want to improve their oral health and return confidence in their smiles. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria set by non-profit organizations can apply for dental grants for free.

Financial support to cover dental costs is offered based on the severity of the dental condition, funds available, and an individual’s income and asset value. Dental Lifeline Network of Texas runs Donated Dental Services that assist seniors over 65, permanently disabled individuals, and patients who need medically necessary dental care.

Delta Dental Foundation of Texas is a non-profit organization that awards grants to programs that improve oral healthcare access, research dental-related issues, and mass education of Texans on the importance of proper oral health practices. The Texas Dental Association works hand in hand with local organizations and non-governmental agencies to ensure the undeserving in society have fair access to high-quality preventive and restorative treatments.

The Dental Grants Application Process is as follows:

1. Make your application for free through the Texas Dental Grants website.
2. The program confirms your application.
3. You will be scheduled for a free dental consultation and assessment by your local dentist.
4. You are booked for an appointment.
5. After your assessment, the dentist will determine if you qualify for the dental grant.
6. If you are eligible, a dental treatment plan with necessary procedures is prepared for you.
7. For patients who don’t qualify, the dentist will give recommendations of options that can assist in covering dental costs.
8. The dental grants should be used within 30 days of being awarded. You do not have to pay it back.

Ensure you are receiving treatment from a dentist who is a participating member of the dental grant program. Dental work from non-members will not be paid for by the program.

Dental Grants: Dental Grants in Texas are awarded to help individuals receive the necessary dental care services to regain confidence in their smiles. The chances of receiving this assistance depend on the program’s waiting list and available funds.

Cosmetic Dental Grants: These CDSs cover Invisalign, veneers, partial and complete dentures, whitening, and bleaching. Most people choose cosmetic dental procedures because their outcome improves teeth’ appearance and functionality. CDGs pay for only cosmetic dentistry.

Dental Implant Grants: Dental implants may be necessary for procedures, like crowns, bridges, dentures, or contouring. They offer support for tooth replacements. Dental implant grants help cover the costs for these treatments, which on normal occasions would not be affordable to seniors.

Free Dental Implants Clinical Trials: Dental clinical trials are held by dental schools to

• Test new methods, medication, and equipment used in dentistry for safety and efficacy to promote the advancement of dental practices.
• Provide students with an opportunity to practice their theoretical knowledge of actual patients before they are licensed.

The procedures are supervised to ensure patient safety. Not everyone is eligible for clinical trials, but only patients with conditions of interest are allowed to participate. Patients receive free or discounted dental implants and other dental treatments as benefits of volunteering to be part of these studies.

Charities that Help with Dental Costs

Good Samaritan Society: Good Samaritan Society is a faith-based organization that offers health care and home care services to seniors in need. They have caregivers that provide medication management and treatments to unwell seniors. Moreover, they have a benevolent care fund that prioritizes the physical health of seniors to improve their well-being.

Mission of Mercy: Texas MoM is a two-day clinic that offers free dental treatments in a multi-annual event to Texans struggling to afford dental care services. You don’t have to meet any income or insurance criteria to receive treatment.

Free Or Low-cost Dental Clinics Near Me In Texas

Texas has free dental clinics funded by not-for-profit and charitable organizations to help individuals who cannot afford dental treatments. Sliding-fee scale clinics charge patients depending on their income and are most suitable for low-income earners. A quick web search “Free or low-cost dental near me” lists the nearest affordable clinics, although not all are 100% free. Visit the clinic’s website before going for treatment to confirm the same.

1. Prism Health North Texas Dental Care- Farmers Branch, Dallas
2. Dental Health- Arlington
3. Affordable Dentist- Houston
4. The Agape Clinic- Dallas
5. Mission East Dallas- Mesquite
6. CareWay Dental- Lewisville

Does Medicare Pay For Dental In Texas?

The Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B) do not cover dental costs, including dental implants. Seniors needing help paying dental bills can pay for supplemental insurance to complement their Original Medicare plan. You can also get a standalone policy from a private insurance company. Or you could opt for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), which will settle your dental expenses within the Annual Enrolment Period (AEP).

Dental coverage for Medicare Part C is provided by private insurance companies but is regulated by the government. The MA plans cost more for coinsurance. For costly dental treatments, the plans follow a cost-sharing approach. The longer you have had your cover, the higher the percentage it will pay toward your dental bills. A downside to MA plans is the cap placed on them. They have a maximum annual benefit amount and cover limited dental treatments. Consider getting Medicare Part D plans with prescription benefits to help pay for prescribed medications you will need after dental implant procedures.

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

Medicaid: The Medicaid program in Texas prioritizes preventive and continuous care. STAR+ PLUS covers medical costs for seniors above 65 and people with disabilities. Dentaquest covers dental costs for seniors in Texas. The services covered are cleanings, crowns, fillings, and root canals.

MCNA is also a dental cover provider for adults in Texas. Their plan covers exams, X-rays, cleanings, dental emergencies, cleanings, extractions, sealants, and root canals.

Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families is cash support offered to seniors caring for minors to help them afford clothes, housing, medical expenses, utility bills, food, and phone services. The assistance is given to low-income earners and those with low asset value.

Texas Financial Assistance is monetary aid offered by the State of Texas to seniors in emergency financial crises to help them meet their basic needs.

Texas can be a wonderful place to retire to because of all the available resources that make it senior-friendly. Older citizens may require financial assistance to help them afford essential services to guarantee their health and well-being. Dental grants are innovations to ensure seniors’ oral health is prioritized and the cost is not a barrier to access to dental health care. Isn’t that a reason to smile?

Texas can be a wonderful place to retire to because of all the available resources that make it senior-friendly. Older citizens may require financial assistance to help them afford essential services to guarantee their health and well-being. Dental grants are innovations to ensure seniors’ oral health is prioritized and the cost is not a barrier to access to dental health care. Isn’t that a reason to smile? For more information on grants available to seniors in Texas, including financial assistance grants, check out our comprehensive guide on Grants for Seniors in Texas.