Dental Grants for Low Income Adults

Last Updated on August 24, 2023 by Hannah Stevens

Going to the dentist’s is a luxury and privilege not everyone can afford. People grow up with their teeth misaligned, toothache, receding gums, etc., and not have it consulted by a dentist. Dental Care Grants are beneficial to low-income families who don’t have enough money to take care of their teeth. These dental care grants offer financial support to low-income individuals that let you pay for a dental checkup at an affordable price. You don’t need to repay the grants. After qualifying for the requirements, you’ll be awarded dental care grants. In this article, I will be discussing the various financial assistance you can apply for dental care. 

What are the Requirements To Qualify For Dental Implants Grants?

A dental implant grant is accessible. However, there appears to be a lot of paperwork or difficulty involved. The grant program benefits low-income people exceptionally. Therefore they must be prepared to meet the requirements. Since you have a lost tooth, the issue should be dental health. Some documents prove that you have been missing teeth from a medical standpoint. You must present paperwork containing all your test reports, doctor’s statements, and a picture of your missing teeth. Moreover, this usually prioritizes low-income individuals, so you must prove that you are a low-income individual with proof of your income and expenditure summary, tax status, family members, and living places.

  For senior people and veterans, as the dental implant grants also prioritize them, they must only present their social security numbers and background details needed by the organization where they offer dental implant grants. 

List of Dental Grants for low-income adults

Grants are intended for low-income individuals. There are various government and nonprofit programs that provide grants to low-income persons. Additionally, these dental grants are for you if you are a low-income individual. The primary requirement for receiving a grant is that you come from a family background of low income.

Furthermore, the following list contains the dental grants for low-income adults:

  • Samuel Harries Fund – This funding is intended for single mothers who seek to have a dental care checkup through dental grants

  • E.Bud Tarrson Dental School Student Community Leadership Award – It is sponsored by the USA. Dental students find funds for the underprivileged in the community for their dental care checkups.

  • Access to Care – This is intended for underprivileged children whose parents don’t have enough money to have their children a dental care checkup.

  • The Patterson Foundation – This is a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to low-income individuals residing in the community.

  • The Academy of General Dentistry – This prioritizes low-income individuals to ensure that they have their dental implant procedure. It has funding of over $216109 that is disbursed annually.

  • The ADA Foundation – This prioritizes low-income individuals who will be given over $120000 to 2500 people annually for their dental care checkup.

What are the Dental Grants for Veterans

If you are a veteran, many opportunities come your way, including these dental care grants. A veteran benefits from these dental care grants can lessen the expensive cost of having a dental care checkup. Veterans will be allowed to have their teeth inspected by a dentist.

Furthermore, the following list contains the dental grants for veterans:

  • Veterans Dental Care – To qualified veterans, they will be subjected to dental care at the expense of their war service on behalf of their country.

  • Outpatient Dental Program – Veterans in the hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care are subjected to dental services ordered by a VA dentist.

What are the Funding alternatives to dental implant grants?

Aside from federal governments and nonprofit organizations sponsoring dental grants intended for low-income individuals, there is also alternative funding that can be helpful for low-income individuals to have their teeth checked upon by a dentist.

  Furthermore, the following list contains the funding alternatives to dental implant grants:

  • Dental Loans – If you cannot discover a grant that meets your needs, you may choose to explore taking out a dental loan. When you don’t have the funds to pay for dental treatment upfront, a loan can help. Many patients successfully get a loan to pay for their expensive dental procedures.

  • Dental Insurance – Dental insurance can also grant you money to finance your dental care. In addition to that, you can visit and inquire at Dentalinsurance.com to help you find the insurance you need.

Government Grants for Dental Implants

Dental Implants is a surgery that is designed to replace tooth roots. Its cost ranges from hundreds to millions, which only so few people can afford. As for low-income individuals who are suffering from dental problems and may need a dental implant surgery yet can’t afford it, the government has established grants that prioritize their dental implant. These government grants will be responsible for giving qualified individuals the financial assistance they need to pay for their dental implants.

Furthermore, the following list contains various government grants an individual can apply for dental implants:

  • The Academy of General Dentistry – This foundation aims to cater to the needs of the community in terms of dental health. Moreover, the foundation will cover the dental expenses of the dental patients.

  • The ADA Foundation – It has funding of over $120,000 annually to be given to its eight affiliated organizations which will then be rewarded to qualified applicants with dental problems. It’s working with a nonprofit organization to offer cosmetic dental grants. Qualifications specify underprivileged Americans age 62 and above.

  • Healthier Smiles Grant Program – It is a nationwide program run by The Wrigley Company Foundation that accommodates qualified applicants all over the US. This is given to low-income individuals who need dental implants. Qualified applicants will receive grant money of over $5,000 to $2,500 that will be used to pay for the dental implants expenses.

  • DentaQuest Community Response Fund – It’s a nationwide project given to underdeveloped areas. The dental implants it offers from the underprivileged inhabitants come with financial support that can be used to pay for dental treatments. Qualifications are based on the individual’s income.

  • Dental Preventive Clinical Support Program – Given to qualified citizens of the United States of America, the Department of Health and Human Services and IHS established this program. It provides financial support to crippled people who are required to have dental surgery to better their health.

  • Medicaid – This grant is available to the residents of the United States. It aims to offer financial assistance for any dental issues and treatments, although it excludes the paying of a dental surgery procedure. However, the main cost of the dental treatment of an individual will be covered by Medicaid.

Where to get dental assistance for senior citizens?

Dental treatment for low-income senior citizens can be quite costly. Their health insurance policy for dental care treatments becomes unaffordable as they grow older. Dental grants are the only choice for seniors in this predicament. Since grants are generally funded by the government, or private and nonprofit organizations, senior citizens can acquire from their officers as to where they could apply for one and get the benefits. 

What is the Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program?

The Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program is sponsored by the government that campaigns for better smiles from dental patients. This is a famous program for all individuals regardless of their status in society. People who wish to smile and keep healthy can take advantage of this grant if they can’t afford a dental implant. Everyone is aware that dental surgery is quite costly, and a patient has just two options: begin treatment or bear the pain. Hundreds of people benefit from government grant services. You may be required to meet certain conditions to do so. If you are eligible for the program, you will be given a free dental checkup at your local dental clinic. And if you meet all of the requirements, you will be eligible for the grant.

After your check-up, your doctor will attempt to register your name to provide you access to government-funded dental surgery or implants. These government grants depend on your ability to work. If you are discovered to have an oral health concern, you will not be eligible for this grant. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry deals with beautifying the appearance of one’s teeth. It offers services such as repairing, lightening, straightening, etc. It promotes a “smile”. It gives people a type of confidence wearing their beautiful smiles. In simple terms, a smile makeover. Cosmetic dentistry is the best choice if there are any enhancements needed to do in one’s teeth.

Can you use CDG Grant funds for general dentistry?

No. CDG only funds for enhancing one’s smile. The grant will lose its benefits if it will be used to pay for basic dentistry procedures. However, there are various grants and programs that are sponsored by the government that pays for basic, non-elective procedures such as fillings, teeth cleaning, decay, and root canals. If you wish to apply for these grants and programs, you can inquire about your employer’s health plan or a government-sponsored program if you need financial assistance for general dentistry.

Can grantees choose the dentist to take the procedure?

Yes. CDG affirms everyone’s need for comfort with their dentist. Even though CDG offers a dentist of their own to their grantees, they still accommodate their grantees’ request of having an alternative dentist instead. For this to be possible, the dentist must be residing in the United States and has read your case, a licensed and professional dentist acknowledged by law, has the good moral qualification, accepted into the CDG program, and agreed to the terms and conditions of the program. 

Procedure in awarding dental grants

Dental grants have limits when it comes to paying dental costs. All dental grants only pay for the dentist’s professional fees, and the applicants will have to pay the treatment plan that is not covered by the grant. If your grant has been approved, you must stick to your treatment plan for 30 days, and within the 60 days following, you must begin the treatment. The grant will not pay the total amount of your treatment plan, so you will need to make arrangements with your dentist to settle the remaining balance. Moreover, if your dentist is not approved by the Dental Grants Program, your grant will be nullified.

Furthermore, the following list is the procedure in awarding dental grants:

  1. An applicant submits a request for a Grant at our website.
  2. The applicant’s information, dental history, and desired treatment are confirmed by a representative of our organization.
  3. An appointment is booked for the applicant to attend a participating dentist for an examination. (The dentist will charge for the examination & x-rays).
  4. The participating dentist provides the applicant with a treatment plan that includes the cost to complete the dental work.
  5. The Patient Advocate provides the applicant with the exact amount of their Dental Grant and explains their options.
  6. If the applicant is satisfied with the treatment plan after the Grant amount is deducted, he/she can accept the treatment and begin receiving services from the dentist.

Types of Dental Implants Covered in Grants

Dental implants are titanium structures that are implanted into the bone to replace teeth and replicate the roots of your teeth. They can be for anyone over the age of 18 and will enable them to boldly live their lives without being conscious of their smiles. The eligibility of dental implants grants depends on the assessment of the dentist, whether they be healthy enough or not to undergo the surgery. Moreover, there are three types of dental implants: endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic.

Furthermore, the following list contains the dental implants covered by grants:

  • Zygomatic Implants – Zygomatic implants are a less frequent type of dental implant that is the alternative option besides endosteal and subperiosteal implants. These implants are secured into the jawbone, and fixed teeth can be replaced three days after surgery.

  • Subperiosteal Implants – When bone grafts and bone levels are insufficient, this sort of implant is the sole option. A subperiosteal implant requires two surgical operations to create and place. A subperiosteal implant, unlike ordinary implants, must be custom-made to fit the shape of a specific person’s bone. Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the bone but beneath the gum line.

  • Endosteal Implants – The most popular and widely used type of dental implant is endosteal implants. They are suitable for the majority of patients. However, they do necessitate enough bone for the implant to connect into. The final post and crown are supported by these implants. Dental implants resemble artificial roots in appearance. It is determined by the amount and quality of bone present, as well as the dentist’s expectations for the ultimate restoration’s appearance and function.

What are the dental care grants received by disabled people?

People with disabilities have difficulties procuring dental treatment due to its expensive costs. However, these dental care grants that are funded by either the government or nonprofit organizations finance the dental fees intended for people with disabilities. Furthermore, the following list contains the dental care grants that will be received by disabled people:

  • Aspen Dental Healthy Mouth Movement – Their main priority is disabled veterans, although they also entertain the concerns of ordinary disabled individuals, so long as they pass the eligibility requirements. As for the disabled veterans, they must inquire with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The benefit they will receive is dental care.

  • Donated Dental Services – This is a nonprofit organization that gives dental care and educational access to people who don’t have enough money to invest in. The eligibility requirements include a permanent disability, being medically fragile, and being 65 years old or older. The qualified applicants will receive free comprehensive care.

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – SSDI benefits are available to handicapped people who have worked and paid FICA taxes. The recipients are eligible for Medicaid for the first two years before graduating to Medicare, where dental services must be covered by an Advantage plan.

  • NYU College of Dentistry – They specialize in bringing the best care they could offer to people with disabilities, as well as to their families and caregivers. They are trained to be sensitive around people with disability to avoid any misunderstanding or conflict between the two parties. Their services include implant dentistry, basic dental care, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – This is given to low-income disabled people with few resources for their dental care. Additionally, SSI recipients apply for Medicaid so they can be qualified for dental services.

Why does the US government provide dental care grants?

While oral health in the United States has improved in recent decades, a significant proportion of people still lack access to basic dental care, which contributes to a higher prevalence of oral disorders. Access to affordable preventative dental treatment aids in the reduction of oral health disparities in these underserved communities. These dental care grants prioritize low-income individuals who are underprivileged enough that they can’t even have a dental checkup on their dentist or schedule an appointment due to its expensive costs. But with these grants, they will be allowed to have their teeth checkups or repaired. 

Dental Grants Provided For Children In United States

There are also dental grants available for children only. This aims to enhance children’s oral health and ensures that they have access to any dental care. Because dental care can cost from thousands to hundreds, these grants will lessen the amount of financial constraint the qualified applicants need to pay for dental care. As a result, it’s critical to see a dentist frequently. It verifies that the child’s teeth are developing appropriately and provides guidance on basic oral hygiene. Grants are available to help people improve their dental health and save money in the long run.

Furthermore, the following list contains dental grants for children in the United States:

  • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – It pays for dental services such as restoring oral structures to health and function, fixing emergency conditions, and avoiding the worst dental diseases. Moreover, applicants must present their EPSDT benefits.

  • Medicaid – It provides dental services for all child members. The benefits they will get from Medicaid are referred to as the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) which means all dental services must be given to children when it is medically necessary.

How is the dental grant awarded to the qualified recipient?

Partial Grants are distributed equally depending on the number of applicants, the cost of their proposed treatment plan, and the number of funds available for distribution to any qualified applicant on a per capita, percentile basis. Applicants must continue their cosmetic dentistry procedures with the dentist to whom they were assigned, or with another qualified dentist in the program, if they become eligible for a partial award. If an applicant begins cosmetic dental treatment with a dentist who is not a DGT program participant, DGT reserves the right to rescind the partial grant at any time. Grant recipients have 30 days to start treatment with their approved DGT dentist. To verify admission, each candidate must submit a signed affidavit and a thank you letter to the DGT office. Dentists with credentials can help the DGT Program by acquiring advocacy programs, donating their professional skills, or subscribing to the reduced grant fee schedule.

What is the process of receiving a dental grant?

  1. An applicant submits a request for a Grant at our website.
  2. The applicant’s information, dental history and desired treatment are confirmed by a representative of our organization.
  3. An appointment is booked for the applicant to attend a participating dentist for an examination. (The dentist will charge for the examination & x-rays).
  4. The participating dentist provides the applicant with a treatment plan that includes the cost to complete the dental work.
  5. The Patient Advocate provides the applicant with the exact amount of their Dental Grant and explains their options.
  6. If the applicant is satisfied with the treatment plan after the Grant amount is deducted, he/she can accept the treatment and begin receiving services from the dentist.

Dental Grants For Single Mothers

Dental grants offer all kinds of dental treatments for single mothers who are unable to pay for them. Everyone needs to take care of their teeth, gums, and tongue to keep them healthy. In today’s world, there are a variety of treatments available for teeth-related issues. However, dental treatment is far from inexpensive. That’s why a bunch of nonprofit organizations created various dental grants for single mothers to help them pay for their dental care at an affordable price. Unfortunately, the government doesn’t offer any funding intended for single parents to have such dental treatments.

Related Reading: Eligible Grants For Single Mothers in 2022

Why should one apply for a dental grant?

Applying for dental grants come with a lot of benefits. These dental grants will pay for your dental care expenses, which is costly. You can apply for a dental grant, and if you qualify, you will be given financial assistance that will be used as your payment. There’s no need to make a repayment after you’ve used your dental grant. The objective of dental grants is to ensure that all individuals will be given the same opportunity and luxury to go to the dentist and enhance their teeth. You will gain confidence once you start your dental treatment plan, and you will thank your dental grant that it will pay for the expenses.

Conclusion

Having taken care of your teeth is a privilege not everyone can afford. It’s a luxury where everyone is robbed of their chance to have their teeth taken care of so they can have a beautiful smile. Low-income adults can greatly benefit from these dental grants because they will be allowed to go to a dentist, have their teeth checked up or taken care of, and leave with a beautiful white smile plastered on their faces.

Are you looking for state specific information? You can start by checking out the Dental Grants in Alabama.