Dental care can be expensive. In today's depressed economy, the high
cost of dentistry can be prohibitive for millions of Americans. So where
does a person turn to find affordable dental care? Are there any
options for free dental care near you?
Affordable dentistry and
possibly free dentistry is available in most areas of the country, but
you need to know where to look. Here are some suggestions.
Your Local United Way Office
United
Way is a coalition of charitable organizations, with chapters in all 50
states. The United Way office in your area will have a listing of any
nearby free dental clinics or providers.
If nothing is listed in
your immediate area, don't give up. Ask the local office for the
telephone numbers of any United Way offices in the surrounding area and
check with these offices as well. A short car or bus ride is a small
price to pay, if you are in pain and in dire need of dental work.
Dental Schools
There
are currently 61 schools of dentistry, located in 36 States and Puerto
Rico. In order to provide experience to their students, these schools
offer very affordable or free dental work. All student work is closely
supervised by experienced dental school instructors.
Your County Health Department
Local
or state health departments will know of there are any affordable or
free dental programs in your area. Check under government agencies in
your local telephone directory for the numbers. Local health departments
may also know if there are any Federal dental programs available
nearby.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state assistance program that
provides medical benefits to low-income individuals and families. In
some cases, dental care benefits may also be available. Each individual
state sets its own guidelines regarding services and eligibility. In
most states, dental care is available to children under the age of 18 or
21.
Affordable Dental Plans
There are a number of dental
plans on the market today. For a small monthly or annual enrollment fee,
these plans provide affordable, discount dental care at participating
plan dentists. Unlike regular dental insurance plans, existing dental
conditions are covered immediately, with no waiting period required. If a
dental plan has participating network dentists in your area, then this
is a great way for you to obtain quality dental care at half the cost of
regular retail dentistry.
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