Good dental hygiene can be costly. Considering the price of an office visit to the dentist these days, it is no wonder many choose to skip regular dental checkups. Before the swift downturn in the economy many were just making ends meet and only able to pay food shelter and clothing if they were lucky. With little or no money left over, the dentist became a luxury increasing the risk of gum and periodontal disease.

Free Dental Insurance Or Reduced Cost Alternatives

Many states have government subsidized dental plans at little or no cost to low income individuals or families. But there are criteria which effect eligibility

 

• Income restrictions (limiting income within a certain range)
• Plans reserved for specific groups (such as senior citizens, children also known as CHIP or single mothers)
• A third but not free alternative are government sponsored community dental clinics that use a sliding scale to determine dental fees (charge fees according to your salary)
• Many dental schools offer reduced cost dental treatments/services allowing students to gain valuable training and work experience in the field. You may have to sign a release.  Check with your American Dental Association for a list of schools in your area.
• Mobile Dental Vans Located around the country. In New Orleans these vans provide diagnostic, preventative and restoration dental care for HIV positive patients.
• Insurance coverage through and employer 
• Programs for government workers
• Student Dental Insurance
• Military Or Veterans Dental Benefits
• The National Foundation Of Dentistry For The Handicapped (NFDH) an affiliate of the American Dental Association (ADA) provides three programs for the disabled, those at medical risk and the elderly.

1. Donated Dental Services (DDS) Comprised of volunteer dentists and labs that donate their services to patients
2. Bridge/Campaign Of Concern Helping the disabled in group homes, schools, vocational centers and providing education about good oral hygiene.
3. HouseCalls provides those unable to travel or disabled (nursing homes and homebound) portable dental office carried in a van

• If you are a dentist or lab and would like to volunteer your services you may do so Here National Foundation Of Dentistry For The Handicapped (NFDH) . To make a gift by phone 303-534-5360 or 800-366-3331
   
• Free government sponsored dental insurance programs require proof of income or additional information such as:

1. Marital status
2. Alimony payments
3. Medical expenses
4. Social security card
5. ID card
6. Drivers License
7. Federal of State income tax return (1040)
8. Letter from employer
9. Unemployment benefits
10. Medicaid/Medicare card

In Closing

Qualifications will also vary from state to state. To find out more about low or no cost dental insurance plans contact your local: To find out more about free government sponsored or low cost dental insurance contact your local:

• Medicaid or Medicare office
• Dental Schools
• American Dental Association
• Discount Dental Insurance

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 11:41 PM and is filed under Dental Insurance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.