Free dental programs are set up to help people who can't afford costly procedures.
A dental emergency can be every bit as painful and life-threatening as any other health scare. The cost of dental procedures, however, can be prohibitive for many individuals and families. Free dental care can be hard to find in America, but if you find yourself unable to pay for the dental work you need, you have several other options.
Schools
Local dental students practice on real patients before earning their degree, and the American Dental Association has a list of options arranged by state (see Resources). These schools often offer free dental care to patients, but contact the school directly for a confirmation. Some patients may worry about the qualifications of these students, but they are only allowed to deal with patients when they have received enough training and are monitored by their teachers during sensitive procedures.
Government Funding
Several funding packages are available for low-income individuals and families, many of them targeted specifically at children. Medicaid provides the largest of these packages in the United States, and its website has a list of offices across the country. Qualifications vary greatly from state to state, and qualifications hinge on a number of factors including income and family size. Other factors -- like pregnancy, disability and age -- are also taken into account. Many states also have annual limits -- from $495 in Vermont to as much as $2,500 in Mississippi.
Dental Insurance
If your dental problem isn't urgent, you may want to consider obtaining dental insurance. Although, dental insurance costs a small amount of money each month, many jobs include coverage as one of their benefits. When applying to a new job ask about their benefits. You should also ensure that the procedure you need performed is covered by the insurance, since packages vary.
Free Clinics
Free dental clinics exist in most urban centers across the United States. Websites such as 1Dental.com can help you find a free clinic near you by entering your postal code. Although some of these clinics will see you without a reservation, it's a good idea to call ahead to ensure they can perform the procedure you need. These clinics are often overburdened, so expect to wait several hours before you can see a dentist.
Tags: Free dental, dental care, individuals families, procedure need, their benefits, United States
