Indiana dental grants and assistance: a complete 2025–2026 guide

Indiana residents who cannot afford dental care have more than a dozen legitimate pathways to free or reduced-cost treatment, ranging from Medicaid coverage under the Healthy Indiana Plan to free clinics, dental school programs, and federally funded community health centers in every region of the state. This guide compiles every major program with verified addresses, phone numbers, eligibility rules, and honest assessments of what each resource actually delivers.

Indiana ranks among the states with the highest unmet dental need — 53% of its population lives in a dental health professional shortage area. Indiana Department of Health The programs below collectively provide millions of dollars in donated and subsidized care each year. The single most impactful step for most low-income adults is enrolling in HIP Plus, which is the only standard Medicaid tier that includes dental benefits for adults 21 and older. Government of Indiana

Indiana Medicaid dental coverage: what each tier actually provides

Indiana’s Medicaid system splits into several programs, and dental coverage varies dramatically between them. Understanding these distinctions is critical because choosing the wrong tier — or failing to make a small monthly payment — can mean the difference between having dental coverage and having none at all.

HIP Plus (adults making POWER Account contributions)

HIP Plus is the only standard HIP tier with dental for adults 21+. Members must make monthly POWER Account Contributions (PAC) to maintain this status. Government of Indiana Covered dental services include:

• Two oral exams per 12 months (at least 6 months apart)
• Two cleanings per 12 months (at least 6 months apart)
• Four bitewing X-rays per 12 months
• Full-mouth or panoramic X-rays once every 60 months
• Fillings and extractions — combined limit of 4 per calendar year
• One prefabricated crown per calendar year
• Emergency dental services mhsindiana

HIP Plus dental has significant gaps. It does not cover dentures, partials, periodontal treatment, root canals, lab-fabricated crowns, orthodontia, or fluoride treatments for adults. There is no explicit annual dollar cap, but the strict frequency and quantity limits effectively cap utilization.

HIP Basic (adults who skip POWER Account payments)

HIP Basic does not cover dental, vision, or chiropractic services. MhsindianaGovernment of Indiana The only dental exception is accidental dental injury. Members ages 19–20 still receive EPSDT dental services, mhsindiana and pregnant members receive full Medicaid dental regardless of tier. Indianamedicaid

This distinction matters enormously: a member below 100% FPL who fails to make their POWER Account contribution (as little as $1/month) automatically drops to HIP Basic and loses all dental coverage. Check Medicaid

HIP State Plan (medically frail members)

HIP State Plan serves members identified as medically frail or who transitioned from Traditional Medicaid. It offers the most generous dental package in Indiana Medicaid: IndianamedicaidGovernment of Indiana preventive care, periodontal services including scaling and root planing, fillings, lab-fabricated and prefabricated crowns, dentures and partials (with prior authorization), orthodontia through age 20, fluoride treatments, and emergency services. mhsindiana Complete dentures are covered once every 6 years with prior authorization and a 60-day waiting period. Government of Indiana

Traditional Medicaid (fee-for-service)

Traditional Medicaid serves primarily dual-eligible individuals (Medicare + Medicaid). Government of Indiana Adult dental has historically carried a $600 annual cap (hospital dental services excluded). Indianamedicaid Covered services include diagnostic, preventive, restorative, extractions, and dentures with prior authorization. Indianamedicaid Indiana is nationally classified as providing “limited” adult dental coverage. HealthInsurance.org

HIP Maternity

Pregnant members receive full Medicaid dental benefits at no cost during pregnancy and 12 months postpartum, regardless of their HIP tier. CareSourceGovernment of Indiana

Hoosier Healthwise (children and pregnant women)

Hoosier Healthwise covers children up to age 19 and pregnant women Government of Indiana with comprehensive dental benefits: two exams and cleanings per year, fluoride treatments, sealants (one per tooth per lifetime through age 20), X-rays, fillings, crowns, extractions, periodontal care, orthodontia based on medical necessity, dentures, and emergency services. mhsindiana Package A (full Medicaid) has no cost-sharing. Package C (CHIP) requires small premiums and copays. Government of Indiana

Children’s eligibility extends to 208% FPL for children under 1 and 158% FPL for ages 1–18. HealthInsurance.org Enrollment: 1-800-403-0864 or online at fssabenefits.in.gov. Hoosier Healthwise Helpline: 800-889-9949. in

Managed care organizations and how to access dental benefits

Dental benefits in Indiana Medicaid operate through a hybrid model. Government of Indiana As of January 1, 2026, MDwise was removed as a managed care entity, leaving three MCOs for HIP and Hoosier Healthwise. in

DentaQuest administers dental for Anthem across all programs DentaQuest and for Humana’s Indiana PathWays for Aging. DentaQuest Provider Services: 1-855-453-5286. Website: dentaquest.com/en/members/indiana-medicaid-dental-coverage. dentaquest

For Hoosier Care Connect (aged/blind/disabled): Anthem, MHS, and UnitedHealthcare. For Indiana PathWays for Aging: Anthem, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. Government of Indianain

HIP eligibility income limits and how to apply

HIP eligibility is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. The effective threshold is 138% FPL (133% plus a 5% income disregard). Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

POWER Account Contributions range from $1/month (below 22% FPL) to $20/month (101–138% FPL), capped at approximately 2% of income. in Members at 101–138% FPL must pay to enroll — there is no HIP Basic fallback, and non-payment results in denial and a 6-month lockout. MhsindianaHealthInsurance.org

How to apply:

• Online: fssabenefits.in.gov
• Phone: 1-800-403-0864 HealthInsurance.org
• HIP helpline: 877-GET-HIP9 (877-438-4479) Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
• In person: Any Division of Family Resources office
• Eligibility calculator: in.gov/fssa/hip/am-i-eligible/hip-eligibility-and-contribution-calculator/
• Processing time: 45–90 days Medicaideligibilitycalculator

Donated Dental Services provides free comprehensive treatment

The Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, operated by Dental Lifeline Network · Indiana, matches eligible patients with volunteer dentists who provide free comprehensive dental care. Since 1991, the program has donated over $21 million in treatment Ismanet to more than 5,487 patients through approximately 527 volunteer dentists and 100 labs. The average treatment value per patient is roughly $3,901. Dentallifeline

Eligibility requires inability to afford dental care AND at least one of: age 65+, permanent disability, or physician-documented medically necessary dental condition. Indiana Department of Healthdentallifeline Applicants must exhaust all dental insurance and Medicaid benefits first. Dentallifeline The program does not provide emergency services, cosmetic treatment, dentallifeline sedation, or implants.

Application: Apply online at dentallifeline.org/help/ or download the Indiana application at dentallifeline.org. Veterans may apply even if their county is closed. dentallifelineDentallifeline

17 counties currently closed to new applications: Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Pike, Ripley, Scott, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Washington, and Wayne. dentallifeline Exceptions exist for medically fragile applicants and veterans.

Wait times range from several months to over a year. Dentallifeline Coordinators cannot provide waitlist position estimates. Dentallifeline

Indiana dental schools offering reduced-cost care to the public

Indiana University School of Dentistry — Indianapolis

IUSD is Indiana’s only full-service dental school and the single best resource for comprehensive low-cost dental care in the state. Indiana Department of Health It offers the complete range of services — general dentistry, all specialties, and emergency care Iu — at fees 30–50% below private practice rates.

• Address: 1121 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Iu
• Phone: 317-274-7433 (Patient Services) Iu
• Email: dsps@iu.edu Iu
• Emergency clinic: Walk-in Mon/Wed/Fri, 8–11 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. Iu
• Accepts Medicaid/HIP: Yes
• Screening exam: $110–$160; comprehensive oral exam: additional $67 Iu
• Parking: Free validated parking at Vermont Street garage (1004 W. Vermont St.) Iu

Services include comprehensive care clinics (3rd/4th-year students under licensed faculty), Iu a dental hygiene clinic, and specialty clinics for endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry (birth–14), periodontics, prosthodontics, Iu and TMJ treatment. IuFindHelp The Dental Faculty Practice on the 4th floor operates at private-practice rates. Iu No income or residency requirements — anyone can become a patient. Iu

IU Fort Wayne Dental Clinic (on Purdue Fort Wayne campus)

• Address: Neff Hall, Room 109, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indental IN 46805 Iuiu
• Phone: 260-257-6826 iu
• Services: Preventive only — cleanings ($69 adults, $58 children), fluoride ($33), sealants ($52/tooth), X-rays, periodontal maintenance ($95) iu
• Accepts Indiana Medicaid: Yes Dentalclinics

IU South Bend Dental Hygiene Clinic

• Address: Education & Arts Building, Room 1201, 1002 S. Esther St., South Bend, IN 46615
• Phone: 574-520-4156 iusb
• Services: Preventive only — adult cleaning $35, child/senior cleaning $20, sealants $5 each, panoramic X-rays $15 FindHelpiusb
• Open: September through June; appointments required IusbIusb (4-hour sessions) FindHelp

IU Northwest Dental Education Clinic — Gary

• Address: 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408 iu
• Phone: 219-980-6772 Indiana University Northwest
• Services: Preventive dental care at reduced cost; hours vary by semester Indiana University NorthwestSmilesofchesterton

University of Southern Indiana Dental Clinic — Evansville

• Address: Health Professions Center, Room 1040, 8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712
• Phone: 812-464-1706 University of Southern IndianaUniversity of Southern Indiana
• Services: Preventive only — cleanings, X-rays, sealants, oral cancer screening, fluoride University of Southern Indiana

IU School of Dentistry Evansville Satellite

• Address: Stone Family Center for Health Sciences, 515 Walnut Street, Evansville
• Phone: 812-909-7007 Indental

Ivy Tech Community College clinics

Ivy Tech offers dental hygiene clinics in South Bend (220 Dean Johnson Blvd., 574-289-7001 ext. 6800) Indental and Anderson (800-589-8324 ext. 2371) providing preventive services at low cost.

Indiana Mission of Mercy: large-scale free dental events

Indiana Mission of Mercy (IndianaMOM) is a two-day free dental clinic Indianamom organized by the Indiana Dental Association Foundation for Dental Health. Practiceprotection Events convert large venues into 100+ dental stations staffed by over 1,000 volunteers. Sjchf Services include exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, some same-day crowns, and denture repairs Today’s Catholic — all completely free on a first-come, first-served basis. IDDS No ID, insurance, or documentation required. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian present.

Past events include Indianapolis (2015, 2017) and Fort Wayne (2019, where 1,056 patients received $927,000 in services from 954 volunteers). Sjchf Since 2015, IndianaMOM has provided nearly $3 million in free care to over 3,000 Hoosiers. IDDS

No confirmed 2025 or 2026 event date has been announced. Monitor indianamom.org and indental.org for updates. The IDA is seeking volunteer leadership for future events.

Low-fee dental clinics across Indiana by city

Indianapolis

Fort Wayne

Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic is one of the largest free clinics in the United States. Matthew 25 Address: 413 E. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Phone: 260-426-3250. FindHelp +2 Services include complete exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures, extractions, and emergency dental — all free (suggested donations of $5–$10).

FindHelp Eligibility: uninsured adults 18+, at or below 200% FPL, FindHelp residing in 11 northeast Indiana counties. Matthew 25Fortwaynecosmeticdentist Also: Neighborhood Health Clinic, 3350 E. Paulding Rd. Indental (260-458-2641), Indental and IU Fort Wayne Dental Clinic (260-257-6826). Indental

Evansville

ECHO Community Healthcare (FQHC), 315 Mulberry Street, 812-492-8300 press #3. Medicaid accepted; sliding scale; free for homeless patients. IMPACT Christian Health Center, 720 SE 8th Street, 812-426-6152 option 2 — sliding scale for uninsured in 8-county region. Dentalclinics Plus the IU School of Dentistry Evansville Satellite (812-909-7007) Indental and USI Dental Clinic (812-464-1706). Indental

South Bend

Indiana Health Centers operates Indianahealthonline three dental locations: Indental Bendix Drive (574-245-4980), Michigan Street (574-235-7990), and Western Avenue (574-234-9033) Indental — all with sliding-scale fees, evening hours, and Saturday availability. HealthLinc at 1002 S. Esther St. (888-580-1060) HealthLinc offers comprehensive dental. Indental +2 IU South Bend Dental Hygiene Clinic (574-520-4156) provides the lowest-cost cleanings in the area at $20–$35. FindHelpiusb

Carmel and Fishers (Hamilton County)

Trinity Free Clinic, 1045 W. 146th Street, Carmel IDDS (317-819-0772), Indental is the largest provider of free health services in Central Indiana, LinkedInNextdoor serving over 100,000 patients since 2000. Trinity Free Clinic +2 Free comprehensive dental including digital X-rays, fillings, crowns LinkedInGuideStar (including same-day porcelain via scanner/mill), The Reporter extractions, dentures, and monthly oral surgery clinic. LinkedIn Eligibility: uninsured Hamilton County residents up to 250% FPL. Trinity Free Clinic Walk-in dental: Wednesdays at 9am and 1pm, Saturdays 8–11am. Trinity Free Clinic Also: Heart and Soul Free Clinic, 17338 Westfield Park Road, Westfield (317-804-5782).

Bloomington

Volunteers in Medicine of Monroe County, 811 W. 2nd Street (812-333-4001). Usdentalservice Free care for Monroe/Owen County residents at or below 200% FPL who are uninsured. Freeclinics VIM has merged with HealthNet to form the Bloomington Family Health and Dental Center (FQHC), expanding to serve all ages with Medicaid acceptance and sliding-scale fees alongside free services.

Hammond and Gary (Lake County)

NorthShore Health Centers operates dental clinics at 1828 165th St. in Hammond, plus Lake Station, Merrillville, Portage, and Chesterton locations. LinkedIn Phone for all: 219-763-8112. Indental Accepts Medicaid/HIP; sliding scale $25–$65 minimum per visit. LinkedIn Full services, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and periodontal treatment. FindHelp Also: HealthLinc East Chicago (219-398-9685), Marram Health Center in Gary (219-806-3000), IndentalIndental and IU Northwest Dental Clinic in Gary (219-980-6772). Indiana University Northwest

Muncie

Open Door Health Services, 333 S. Madison Street Community Orthopedic Medical Group (765-286-7000 Facebook ext. 4022). Full dental: cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures, crowns. Sliding fee discounts up to 100% off based on income. Free Dental CareOpendoorhs Also: Meridian Health Dental, 110 N. Tillotson Ave. (765-213-3939). indental

Terre Haute

Wabash Valley Health Center, 1436 Locust Street (812-232-7447). FQHC with comprehensive dental WVHC including emergency care, root canals, dentures, sealants, fluoride, and pediatric dentistry. Sliding scale for households at or below 200% FPL. Hours: Mon 7:30am–6:30pm; Tue–Fri 8am–5pm. FindHelp

Lafayette

Riggs Community Health Center, 1324 Tippecanoe Street Indental (765-742-1567, option #3). Accepts all Indiana Medicaid plans, DentaQuest, CareSource, and most private insurance. Sliding scale for uninsured. Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–5pm. Free Dental Care Additional locations in Lebanon (416 W. Camp St., 765-483-4469) IndentalIndental and Frankfort. Riggshealth

County-level and specialized Indiana dental programs

Marion County (Indianapolis)

The Marion County Public Health Department runs dental services at 8 locations, primarily for underserved children, adults, and pregnant women. Freedental Main location: 1650 N. College Ave. Phone: 317-221-2790. Marion County Public Health Department The IU Student Outreach Clinic provides free Saturday dental care, Freeclinicdirectory +2 and the FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA (freedomclinicusa.org) operate a mobile clinic for uninsured Marion County residents. Freedomclinicusa

Senior dental resources

Dental Lifeline Network’s DDS program is the primary resource for Indiana seniors 65+ needing comprehensive free dental care. Ismanet Beyond DDS, the CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions agency (317-254-5465 or 800-432-2422) serves 8 central Indiana counties and maintains a community resource database for dental referrals. The statewide Area Agency on Aging hotline is 800-986-3505. Iaaaa Traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental, though some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits.

Children’s dental programs

Give Kids A Smile events occur annually in February across Indiana, providing free exams, cleanings, fillings, sealants, and extractions. NorthShore Health Centers Indiana Department of Health The Indiana Department of Health coordinates school-based sealant programs targeting schools with high free/reduced lunch eligibility. CDC IU School of Dentistry’s pediatric clinic serves children birth through age 14. IuFindHelp The MCH-MOMS Helpline (844-624-6667) provides dental referrals for pregnant women and children statewide. Indiana Department of HealthIndiana Department of Health

Referral hotlines

• Indiana 211: Dial 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966 (24/7/365) for dental resource referrals Purdue University
• MCH-MOMS Helpline: 844-624-6667 (dental referrals for mothers and children) Inf2f
• Indiana Dental Association directory: indental.org/low-cost-dental-care/
• HRSA Health Center Finder: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov (search by ZIP code) Fqhc

Cosmetic Dental Grants: an honest assessment

The Cosmetic Dental Grants (CDG) program, operated by the Oral Aesthetic Advocacy Group Inc. out of Ontario, Canada, markets itself as providing dental grants of up to several thousand dollars. Cosmeticdentistrygrants It should be avoided. CDG carries a 1.1 out of 5 rating across consumer complaint platforms ComplaintsBoard and has been called an “elaborate scam” by multiple independent reviewers.

The program works by “approving” virtually every applicant (a red flag — legitimate programs have need-based criteria), charging a $50 upfront fee, then assigning the patient to a network dentist who creates a treatment plan at inflated prices. The “grant” amounts to a discount off the inflated total. Dentists pay CDG a referral fee, which is how the company profits. Low Income Relief Patients report treatment plans of $30,000–$58,000 with “grants” covering only a fraction, and no ability to choose their own dentist. The BBB has listed the parent organization as “no longer in business.”

Indiana residents should instead use the legitimate free and reduced-cost programs documented throughout this guide.

Dental implant clinical trials at Indiana institutions

The IU School of Dentistry’s Oral Health Research Institute (OHRI) conducts clinical trials that sometimes include implant-related studies. Contact: 317-274-8822 Iu or ds-ohri@iu.edu. iu Current and upcoming studies can be browsed at research.indianactsi.org. Benefits may include free dental exams, cleanings, and compensation for time iu ($50–$100 per visit is typical). What is Cosopt?

Types of dental implant trials that have recruited in Indiana include immediate restoration implant systems, titanium-zirconium alloy implants, bone graft comparisons, and implant surface decontamination studies. Average trial length is approximately 12 months. (What is Cosopt)

To find current trials, search ClinicalTrials.gov using “dental implant” as the condition and “Indiana” as the location. The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (indianactsi.org) also maintains a searchable research studies portal.

Conclusion: building a path to affordable dental care in Indiana

The most actionable first step for most uninsured Indiana adults is enrolling in HIP Plus — even the lowest POWER Account contribution of $1/month unlocks dental coverage that HIP Basic completely lacks. MhsindianaGovernment of Indiana. For those already on Medicaid, verifying your tier and MCO ensures you’re actually using available dental benefits.

For needs that exceed HIP Plus’s limited coverage (no dentures, no root canals, no periodontal treatment), Indiana’s FQHC network fills the most critical gap, these centers are legally required to serve everyone regardless of ability to pay, Government of Indiana with sliding fees that can reach 100% discounts. The IU School of Dentistry in Indianapolis remains the state’s single most comprehensive low-cost dental resource, offering every specialty Indiana Department of Health at 30–50% below market rates. And for seniors and disabled individuals who qualify, the Donated Dental Services program delivers an average of nearly $4,000 in free treatment per patient — though wait times of a year or more require patience.

The legitimate programs in Indiana collectively deliver millions of dollars in care annually. What they share is real eligibility criteria, transparent costs, and documented outcomes — attributes conspicuously absent from commercial “grant” schemes. For the fastest path to help, dial 2-1-1 to reach Indiana’s 24/7 referral service, which can match any resident with the nearest appropriate dental resource. Purdue University

See Also

Alternatives to Dental Implants

Dental Implants Grants in Louisiana

Dental Grants in California

Indiana Small Business Grants

Immediate Assistance for Single Mothers

Does Medicaid Cover Dental Implants