🦷 Where Can I Find Low-Cost Dental Care? 💸

Dental health should not be neglected because of price! 😖

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends that you can get affordable and professional dental services through the following channels:

🏥 1. Community Health Centers (FQHC)

• ✅ Funded by HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration)
• ✅ Provide: dental examinations, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, basic treatment, etc.
• 💰 Charging method: Sliding Fee Scale —Low-income families can enjoy low-cost dental care.
• 📍 Most centers also provide professional referral services — the first choice for low-income families ❤️

🏛️ 2. Public Insurance Programs: Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees three major public programs:

👶 Medicaid / CHIP (Children)

• 🎯 Most states provide comprehensive dental services for children (checkups, cleanings, fillings, etc.)
• CHIP: for families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
  • In some states, it also covers pregnant women.
  • Coverage and services vary by state.

👨‍🦳 Medicaid (Adults)

• For low-income adults, children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities
• Most states provide limited emergency dental services for adults
• Most people under 21 receive broader coverage

👴 Medicare (65+)

• Original Medicare generally does not include dental care
• Some Medicare Advantage plans offer dental benefits — check your plan!

👉 Visit Medicare to find local low-cost dental providers accepting Medicaid/CHIP.

🎖️ 3. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• If you're a veteran, you may qualify for VA’s dental benefits program
• 🦷 Includes both basic and advanced services
• 📞 Contact your local VA office to check your eligibility

Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental holds a "Day of Service" every year to provide dental care services to veterans across the United States. Nearly 500 Aspen dental clinics participate, providing veterans with a variety of dental treatments such as fillings, extractions, teeth cleaning, and denture repairs. More than 3,000 veterans have received care, with a cumulative service value of nearly $1.8 million, to express respect for their contributions to the country. Since the launch of the "Healthy Mouth Campaign" in 2014, Aspen Dental has provided dental services to more than 35,000 veterans and vulnerable groups.

🦷 4. Dental Schools

• 🎓 Interns provide services under licensed dentists’ supervision
• 💸 Much cheaper than private dental clinics
• ✅ Offer a wide range of services
• ⏳ Note: Appointments may take time, but cost-effective!

🧪 5. Dental Clinical Trials

• 🔬 Conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
• 🙋‍♀️ If eligible, you may receive low-cost treatment
• 🧠 Great for those needing specific procedures (implants, gum disease, etc.)
• 🌐 Visit the NIH Clinical Center for updates

🏘️ 6. Local or State Government Programs

• 🏥 Local health departments may offer:
  • 🧒 Special grants for kids or seniors
  • 🚌 Mobile dental vans in underserved communities
• 📍 Contact your state or local health office for more info

🦷 What services does dental care generally include?

🔍 How to Start Looking?

• 📍 Visit the HRSA website to find local clinics
• 🏫 Look up dental school clinics near you
• 🔬 Explore clinical trial opportunities at NIH
• 📞 Call local government offices or VA for grant programs

🧠 Tips Time! 📝

• 📆 Make appointments early — especially for clinics and schools
• 📄 Bring income proof — required for discounted fees
• 💡 Know your insurance — some clinics may bill your insurance
• 📊 Compare options — price, distance, services, and wait time matter

✅ Summarize

Want to save money on dental care? Use these helpful resources:

• 🏥 Community health centers
• 🧒 Medicaid / Medicare / CHIP
• 🎖️ VA dental programs
• 🦷 Dental school clinics
• 🧪 Clinical trial projects
• 🏘️ Local/state health programs

With these tools, you can:

• 💸 Spend less
• 😁 Get professional care
• 🦷 Prevent serious oral health issues

Let everyone laugh without burden✨