Visiting a dentist twice a year helps keep your mouth healthy. Dentists can find problems early, before they cause pain or infection.
However, many people have trouble finding dental care they can afford. While HRSA does not pay for dental care for individuals, these resources may help you find low-cost dental care for yourself or someone you care for.
Use the list of questions at the end of this webpage when you contact dental providers. They can help you get the information you need.
Community health centers that offer dental care
Our chatbot can help you find HRSA-supported health centers that may offer dental care, including low-cost dental services. At many of these centers, the cost is based on your income.
What to do: Visit the HRSA Oral Health webpage and select the chatbot icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Dental schools and training programs
Dental schools and dental hygiene schools often have clinics that offer lower-cost dental care. Students provide care as part of their training and are supervised by licensed professionals. Dental hygiene clinics may offer lower-cost oral health assessments, oral health education, and preventive services. Dental residency programs may offer more advanced care and treatment for complex cases.
What to do: Visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation’s Search for Dental Programs page to find dental programs near you. Use the filters to search by city, state, or territory. You can also filter by program type. Program types may include general practice and predoctoral programs (cleanings, exams, and restorative care), pediatric dentistry (care for children), or periodontics (treatment for gum disease). Contact programs near you to ask whether they offer low-cost dental care and what services they provide.
State dental health resources
Your state health department or state oral health program may have information about free or low-cost dental care in your area. Some programs may also help you find transportation to dental appointments.
What to do: Search online for your state health department or visit the Association of State & Territorial Dental Directors’ State Oral Health Programs page.
Medicare and Medicare Advantage dental care
Medicare is a federal health insurance program. It covers people ages 65 and older and some people under age 65 with certain disabilities. Medicare covers some dental services related to specific medical conditions or treatments, but it does not cover most routine dental care.
What to do: Visit Medicare Dental Services.
Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies. Most plans include extra benefits, such as dental care, that Medicare does not cover.
What to do: Visit Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans (PDF - 726 KB).
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) dental care
Medicaid is a state-run program that may cover dental care. Visit the Medicaid website and select “Learn How to Apply for Coverage,” or contact your state Medicaid office to find out whether you qualify and what dental services may be covered. Medicaid services and coverage vary by state.
What to do: Use the Find a Dentist feature from Insure Kids Now to find a dentist near you who sees children and accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children in families who do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP covers some dental care for children up to age 19. Covered services may include check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and fillings. Covered services vary by state.
What to do: Visit the Medicaid & CHIP webpage to see if your children qualify and learn how to apply.
What should I ask when I contact dental care providers?
Use these questions when you talk with dental care providers.
- Do you accept patients without dental insurance?
- Do you accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or CHIP?
- What dental services do you offer?
- Do you offer the dental service or procedure I need?
- Do you offer discounts based on income (also known as a sliding fee discount program)?
- What documents do I need to qualify?
- How much will my visit cost?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- How long is the wait for an appointment?
- Do you offer interpreters or services in my preferred language?
- Can you meet my special needs?
If one provider cannot see you or the cost is too high, ask for other local options. You can also contact another health center or dental school. Costs and availability vary.
While you wait for an appointment, you can take steps to care for your teeth at home. Visit HRSA’s Oral Health for Adults and Oral Health for Young Children pages for tips.