14 Dental Charities for Adults | Pro Bono Oral Healthcare

Dental Charities for Adults

Dental charities for adults offer financial assistance for dental work. Dental treatment is usually expensive. A significant percentage of adults cite the cost of dental treatment as a major barrier to visiting a dentist for checkups

Dental Charities for Adults – Regain Your Smile

Everyone should work on their smile! Caring for teeth is one of the most critical health measures. Teeth are necessary for proper speaking, chewing and overall appearance.

Maintaining healthy teeth and getting specialized dental services like surgical procedures or orthodontics can be expensive.

Don’t lose hope if you are unaware of where to ask for help with dental costs. Fortunately, there are various resources to help you regain your smile without the financial burden.

Dental Costs Breakdown – How Much Does Dental Work Cost

Depending on the type of dental work, the cost of visiting a dentist can vary greatly.

Let’s break down dental costs, from a routine visit to an expensive surgery:

1. Routine teeth cleaning costs – $90 to $120 (without insurance). For new patients, X-rays and additional routine examinations can increase the cost to $400.

2. Chronic periodontitis, a severe gum disease, affects nearly half of adults aged 30 and older in the US. Scaling and root planning are required. Depending on the severity, the treatment and management of periodontitis costs from $500 to $4,000.

3. Dental cavities are a common issue, with an estimated 92% of adults aged 20 to 64 having had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth. Cost may vary depending on the location of the cavity and the type of material used to treat it.

4. A root canal and crown procedure costs $500 to $1,500, depending on the location where the damage is. It involves the repair of a damaged tooth to prevent a bigger problem, including pain and tooth decay.

5. Tooth extraction – $75 to $250. This procedure is required for damaged or infected teeth. The cost may vary depending on the tooth, and it is the cheapest procedure, according to the American Dental Association.

6. Dental Implant – $1,750 to $8,270 per tooth. It is a surgical procedure that requires an artificial root to anchor a replacement tooth.

7. Braces – $3,000 to $7,500. It depends on the type of procedure, whether you choose ceramic, metal, or clear plastic braces.

14 Dental Charities to Cover the Dental Care Costs (Infographic)

With many people putting off dental treatment due to expensive costs and lack of insurance, there are plenty of dental charities.

They have been developed to assist people with covering the costs of dental care.

However, the availability of services will depend upon your location, eligibility criteria, and income level.

Let’s learn about dental charities for adults that offer financial assistance.

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1. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation

The AACDCF is quickly becoming one of the most popular dental charities. It emphasizes appearances and a beautiful smile.

People dream of achieving straight and white teeth; however, dental cosmetic procedures are expensive. The AACDCF offers financial assistance for dental care to survivors of domestic abuse.

2. America’s Dentists Care Foundation, Missions of Mercy (ADCFMOM)

America’s Dentists Care Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that facilitates dental charities for adults. The Mission of Mercy events has helped patients with free oral health care.

They are always looking to grow their network to address the oral health needs of the underserved.

3. America’s ToothFairy

It is an initiative of kindhearted people and knowledgeable leaders to combat one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in America, severe tooth decay.

As a resource provider, they provide access to oral health care by assisting community organizations and nonprofit clinics that offer treatment, preventive, and education programs to underprivileged kids.

They have three major problems: dental resources, special kids programs, and the gap. America’s ToothFairy focuses on improving access to oral health care for children by providing resources and support to non-profit clinics and community partners.

4. Dental Lifeline Network

Dental Lifeline Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers dental care to families who cannot afford it. They assist people needing dental treatment to recover their ability to eat, treat painful tooth infections, and smile boldly once again.

The dental lifeline network also provides for those with physical and mental challenges and ensures they receive the proper dental treatment wherever they are.

You can receive services for oral infections, gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems.

Dental Lifeline Network collaborates with thousands of volunteer dentists and dental labs nationwide, providing critical dental services to those in need.

5. Smiles For Everyone

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation offers free dental care through community smile projects in the US and International Smile Projects in Cambodia, Laos, Ghana, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Paraguay.

They deliver free dental services to those who cannot afford professional services. Since 2011, they have brought thousands of smiles to people worldwide with their Smile Projects and International Smile Projects.

Smiles For Everyone provides three primary programs for their members –

  • Days of Giving initiative provides pre-qualified patients with free primary care by volunteers.
  • Those who qualify can receive significant care through the Smile Makeovers program.
  • As part of the Implanting Inspiration initiative, implants are provided gratis to a hand-selected set of patients.

6. Charitable Smiles

Charitable Smiles is a nonprofit organization that offers free dental services to individuals who suffer oral injuries but cannot afford the necessary treatment. Dentists willing to help their patients as volunteers are paired with individuals in the program.

Dental healthcare providers use patient nominations to pay for these additional expenses. Thus, you can request a recommendation from your dentist.

7. Louisiana Dental Association Foundation

The Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) is a statewide non-profit group with a mission to advance, defend, and support the dentistry industry.

LDA offers dental services to more than 1,900 members, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

They deliver a wide range of dental treatments, including cleaning, X-rays, extractions, fillings, root canals, and oral examinations.

8. United Way

United Way offers free dental clinics and has hundreds of locations in the U.S. and worldwide.

Dental clinics are also mobile, which makes visiting much more accessible. Contact your local office to search for the programs available in your area.

9. Dentaid

Dentaid is a global dental charity serving children and adults. The primary concern of Dentaid is to help people with dental pain get relief through dental surgeries or appropriate procedures.

Dentaid is also famous for “DentaidBox”, a portable surgery kit with a complete dental chair and the surgical tools required by a licensed dentist.

By sending DentaidBoxes to deprived areas, Dentaid helps people receive the dental surgeries they need to be dentally pain-free.

10. Healthier Smiles Grant Program

The Healthier Smiles Grant program provides grants for dental implants to people in dire need. The Wrigley Company Foundation introduced it and it is a nationwide program.

The services can be accessed from any part of the entire United States of America.

The program offers grants for up to $5,000 to $2,500. It further depends on the severity of the case, the eligibility, and the applicant’s financial status.

To learn more about these grants, visit https://www.adha.org/ioh/

11. The ADA Foundation

The American Dental Foundation (ADA) works for the betterment of people. ADA works in collaboration with organizations to provide cosmetic dental grants.

The grants are given to nonprofit organizations that provide dental care to underserved Americans aged 62 and above.

ADA has provided around $120,000 annually to 8 affiliated organizations, serving approximately 2500 people with their dental services.

To apply for these dental implant grants, contact them and receive better guidance on choosing the plan that best suits your needs.

12. DentaQuest Community Response Fund

The DentaQuest Community Response Fund aims to uplift underdeveloped areas by offering government grants for dental implants to underserved inhabitants.

It is a nationwide project from which people can benefit.

The grant is based on income, and the application process must be submitted online.

The Grant amount depends on the income and the severity of the case. The application process is simple and can be filled and submitted online.

13. The Academy of General Dentistry

AGD is the foundation that works to enhance the community’s dental health. Dental patients can receive the finances for their surgeries. The grants are based on the presentation of the case and its severity.

14. Smile Changes Lives (SCL)

SCL is a non-profit organization that helps children from low-income families with orthodontic treatment. Remember, this organization does not assist adults but rather children. SCL assists patients by connecting them with orthodontic providers willing to offer their services at a reduced cost. To learn more about SCL visit https://smileschangelives.org/for-kids-and-parents/

Government Programs for Dental Care

The government programs providing some dental care levels include Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP.

1. Medicare

Traditional Medicare coverage for dental care is minimal, typically not covering routine procedures like cleanings or fillings, though some Medicare Advantage plans offer extended dental benefits.

2. Medicaid

Each state runs Medicaid, and therefore, the services vary. Most states cover dental services for those under the age of 21. Those above age 21 may get comprehensive or only limited emergency dental services.

3. Dental Benefits for Children in CHIP

States that offer CHIP coverage to children via a Medicaid expansion initiative must ensure the provision of the EPSDT benefit. Dental coverage must include services necessary for disease prevention, oral health promotion, proper restoration of oral structures, and treatment of emergency conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Charities

What Organization Promotes Oral Health

ADA- American Dental Association promotes the oral health of American citizens. The association is responsible for providing world-class oral health services by approaching the latest technology and innovative treatments.

How can I get free dental treatment

You can get free dental treatment through dental charity programs. The dental charity programs are run by charitable organizations tied up with non-profit organizations, donors, and other entities. It is easy to find a local charity from where you can get low-cost dental treatments from local dentists.

What primary treatments do charity program offer for dental care

Dental Care charity programs are for preventative dental care and aim to treat cavities and gum-related problems. The charity funds are distributed among the candidates that come from low-income families or are unable to pay for expensive dental treatments.

What is a dental volunteer

A dental volunteer is an individual who works in mobile dental units. Volunteers provide special assistance to professional dentists in many ways. They provide dental exams, restorative care, and other treatments.

How do dental charities work in the US

Dental charities do not provide funds to candidates directly for dental treatments. However, such charities work with non-profit organizations and other government agencies to provide funds and help underprivileged communities and low-income families through grant programs. Candidates must search for grant programs to get funds or discounts for dental treatments.

How can I find a potential dental charity in the US

There are many ways in which one can find a reliable dental charity for adults. Yes, many organizations and entities work independently to improve the oral health of citizens who can’t afford expensive dental treatments.

Search on the web and get the list of dental charities for adults. Visit their official websites, apply for the program, and await their call. That’s the easiest way to get dental treatments at no cost.

What’s the easiest way to find a dental charity

The easiest way to find a dental charity is by simply searching on the web. Search for the keyword “dental charity near me,” and you will get a list of results. You need to go through the details given on each page to find a reliable dental charity. Or you can ask your local dental association who can help you find a charity program to get low-cost or free dental care treatments!

Conclusion

Plenty of people in the U.S. need help to pay for dental treatment. Dental Charities for Adults help you with dental costs.

There are no application deadlines or waiting periods. There are specific basic requirements to check and get your healthy smile back.

Interactive US Map for Dental Grants

Dental Grants by State

See Also

Dental Grants for Low-Income Adults

Does Medicaid Cover Dental Implants?

Apply for Government Grants for Dental Implants

Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Review

Can a Hospital Force You to Stay?

Grants for Dental Nonprofits

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Medical Devices

Where to Get Dental Office Supplies?

Current Version
February 12, 2024
Updated By
Andrea Morales G.
September 8, 2023
Fact Checked By
Andrea Morales G.
November 30, 2020
Written By
Victoria Abigail Friedland

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