14 Great Resources Of Affordable Dental For Seniors-With Low Out Of Pocket Expenses
Affordable dental resources
Quality, affordable dental care becomes ever more important as we move into our golden years. After all, it doesn’t take much for dental costs to add up and create a strain on one’s budget. Those who are on a fixed income know this all too well. In this article, we will detail low-cost and, potentially free, resources that can help seniors get the dental care they need.
PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly)
Pace is a program connected with Medicare and Medicaid. It works toward providing the elderly, as well as low-income citizens, with the health care they need. And yes, this service also extends to affordable dental care. However, you must reside in the city/state where services will be rendered. Lastly, you must also qualify for nursing home care.
Tooth Wisdom (Oral Health for Older Adults)
Tooth Wisdom is a tremendous online resource. It allows seniors to use a locator tool to find lost-cost dental care in their area. The website is maintained by Oral Health America. It is a not-for-profit organization. Oral Health America prides themselves on providing local communities throughout the country with countless resources. These include health care, education, and much more.
Dental Life Network
Dental Life Network provides access to oral health services for the elderly and those with severe medical conditions. Through their connection with Donated Dental Services (DDS), seniors have access to more than 17,000 volunteer dentists. Also, nearly 4,000 laboratories specializing in denture work are involved. This is a great resource for affordable dental care.
Dental Schools Are An Affordable Dental Resource
Give some thought to dental schools.They can be a great way to access low-cost oral care. This option provides a win-win for the student and the patient. The students are able to get hands-on experience while patients receive quality care. Rest assured that all student dentists are supervised by a licensed dentist.
Health Resources and Services Administration
Health Resources and Services Administration works with federally funded health centers. Their aim is to help low-income and elderly citizen locate dentists and medical providers in their area. The program operates on a sliding scale where the patient pays what they can afford.
Dentistry From The Heart
Dentistry from the Heart is a program whose purpose is to offer free dental care to those in need. It operates through a network of volunteer dentists. However, services are generally limited to basic procedures like extractions, cleaning, and filling cavities. Even so, it is a great resource for those who need these services.
Eldercare Locator
Eldercare Locator is another resource that helps the elderly locate providers based on their state or the services they need. Additionally, they have the option of speaking to someone personally by calling 1-800-677-1116. This resource is connected to the Administration on Aging.
Finding Dental Care
Finding affordable dental care is not impossible. As previously mentioned, there are a number of organizations nationwide offering free or affordable dental care for seniors. This makes it possible for low-income seniors to get the essential dental services they need at prices they can afford.
With the rapidly escalating price of dental care, free or low-cost dental services are a godsend for elderly people in need. The following are some additional organizations that offer those desperately needed services.
Dental Options
Dental Options is a national organization that offers low or no-cost dentures to the elderly based on their income. Simply call 1-888-765-6789 and fill out some forms to provide some basic information. You can gain access to a wide range of no cost or affordably priced dental services.
Once it is determined that you are eligible, you can schedule some services at a facility close to your home. However, sometimes there can be a waiting list. But the quality of dental services and their low price is well worth waiting a bit if the senior isn’t in too much pain. This is truly affordable dental care.
National Association of Free Clinics
A nationwide group made up of doctors and dentists, The National Association of Free Clinics provides free dentures as well as dental health services for the elderly and people from all age groups. People must meet certain financial requirements in order to qualify to receive services.
The NAFC website contains lists of organizations offering dental and other healthcare services. This is a valuable resource for elderly people with limited finances. Taking time to investigate the organizations on this site can pay major dividends for seniors and people with limited income.
Dentist Care Foundation of Mercy
This organization is a group of traveling volunteer dentists. Each dentist takes their staff on the road with them to locations around the country. In each area of the country they visit, they provide dental services for patients without insurance. They see patients in the order in which they arrive. It is essential to arrive early when the dentists are in your area.
Many people take advantage of this opportunity. Patients cannot make appointments and sometimes have to wait hours to receive dental services. In some cases, late arriving patients have had to wait up to 8 to 10 hours to meet with a dentist. Keep this in mind before choosing this option.
Free Dentures From Charity Programs
A number of local charities work with professional and business organizations that provide funding for voucher programs. The elderly and the poor can use the vouchers to get dentures at no cost. Simply apply through a local charitable organization. When they are approved, they receive a voucher and the contact information of a dentist.
The patient visits the dentist and presents the voucher. Impressions are made and dentures are produced for them. When the dentures are ready, they’re delivered to the dentist. The patient tries them on and the dentists make any needed final adjustments. Finally, the patient then walks away with a set of dentures at no cost.
TheAmerica’s Dentist Care Foundation
The ADCF is among the most popular and recognized charities when it comes to helping people with dental problems. The organization uses donations and sponsorships to hold Missions Of Mercy events from coast to coast. Through the ADCF, thousands of people all across the United States with no dental insurance have received free dental treatments and services.
All low-income senior citizens have to do is contact the organization to get the affordable dental services they need. The ADCF has helped improve the quality of life for countless senior citizens by getting them the dentures they need.
New Dentists Can Provide Affordable Dental
Another way senior citizens can get low-cost dentures and dental care without insurance is from a new dentist who is just starting their practice. Often dentists fresh out of college offer affordable dental care to establish their clinic. Additionally, this helps to make people familiar with their work. Good work brings them great reviews.
As a result, they develop a reputation for quality work at affordable prices. Senior citizens should contact the new dentists in their community when they want quality dentures at affordable prices. For example, check your local newspapers, magazines and directories for ads promoting new dentists in your area. They will be glad to work with you.
Discount Dental Plans
Registering for discount dental plans can help seniors who want affordable dental care but don’t have insurance coverage. Dental plans are different from dental insurance because there are no co-pays or premiums. This enables seniors to get the dental care they need at economical prices. With a dental plan seniors can save between 10% and 50% on their dental care services.
Dental plans cover a wide range of dental services. For example, services such as extractions, teeth cleaning, root canals, crowns and dentures can be included. Find out about dental plans by doing an internet search or asking a local dentist. This can help them get the affordable dental care and discounted dentures they need.
Senior Citizens’ Discounts
Many dental practices across the country offer dramatically reduced rates for senior citizens. Elderly people who need low-cost dentures and affordable dental services can contact their local dentist organizations. They can provide a list of dentists in the local community that regularly offer senior citizens high quality, low cost dental services.
More Great Resources To Choose From
Another great online resource for affordable dental care is Free Medical Camps. If you want to locate free or low-cost oral care, visit their website.
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is also a great program. Their goal is to make reasonably priced health care available for the elderly and low-income individuals. Operating through a network of over 1,200 clinics, they are a valuable resource. Those who are interested in speaking with someone can call 703-647-7427.
Lastly, a program connected to the United Way is 2-1-1 Information and Referral Search. It strives to connect the elderly with providers and services in their area. This program is ideal for those who are not comfortable using the internet and would rather speak with someone personally. Just dial 2-1-1 to receive assistance.