Dental care is important, but it can be expensive. Cleanings, check-ups, and other procedures can add up quickly. If you’re looking for ways to get free dental cleaning, you’re in luck! In this guide, we will explore seven different ways that you can get free dental care. Keep reading to learn more!
Why is it Important to Get Regular Dental Care?
Your teeth and gums are an important part of your overall health. Regular dental care is needed to keep them free from disease and infection. If untreated, the problems can become much worse, leading to costly procedures down the line. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you get regular check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year.
National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics is a site dedicated to providing free medical and dental care for low income individuals and families. You can search for free clinics near you by zip code, and the site will provide a list of free or low-cost services in your area.
Visit: https://nafcclinics.org/ to find help near you.
FreeDentalCare.us
This site provides a state-by-state database of free dental services and low cost dental care. Many of the fees are on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay.
Use the freedentalcare.us search function to find volunteer dentists and clinics near you.
Community Health Centers
Search for “community health centers free dental care” to find a public dental clinic near you that can provide a variety of services including:
- Dental Exam
- X rays
- Treatment
- Teeth Cleaning
- Root Canals
- Wisdom Teeth Extraction
For dental treatment in Central Florida check out: https://www.chcfl.org/locations/
Dental Schools
A low cost and often free way to receive dental services is to visit a dental school. These schools provide free care or discounted services in order to provide hands on training for their dental students.
Licensed dentists or dental hygienists closely supervise the students while they practice cleaning on you.
Just as with a regular dentist visit you’ll need to make an appointment.
Free Dental Clinics
These free clinics are typically funded by local or state governments, or other charitable organizations. They can offer free cleanings, check-ups, and basic treatments on a sliding fees scale depending on your financial situation.
Faith Based Dental Treatment
ChristianDental.org provides Christian-based dental benefits and free or low cost dental services for those in need.
These organizations are typically funded by donations from local churches, ministries, and individuals.
Hospitals and Health Departments
You may be able to get free dental care at certain hospitals and health departments in your area. Some of these facilities may offer free cleanings, check-ups, and even basic treatments.
Medicaid Health Insurance
Not only is taking care of your teeth crucial for hygiene, but it also impacts your health as a whole. All states are mandated to offer government dental coverage to children who have Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, whether dental benefits will be extended to adults is up to each state individually.
Learn more about Medicaid benefits at: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/dental-care/index.html
Save Money to Make Money
If you are on Medicaid (or other government assistance programs), you are eligible for free cell phone service with Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data?
Eliminate your monthly cell phone bill and use that savings to pay for low cost dental insurance. Learn more at EASY Wireless.
Low-Cost Dental Insurance
Low-Cost private dental insurance does not mean low quality. Dental insurance has become more affordable over the years, allowing you to get free cleanings and discounts on expensive procedures. These policies can be bought alone or as part of a bigger health insurance plan.
With you paying for the policy, you’re in control of which dentist you want to see. Plus these policies will often cover emergencies providing peace of mind for you and your family.
Dental Savings Plans
A dental savings plan is similar to an insurance plan in that you pay a fee each year for access to discounted services from participating dentists. Depending on your income, these plans can cost as little or as much as you want them to.
However, like free clinics and hospitals, most dental savings plans do not cover major procedures like braces or root canals. Ask your local dentist if they offer this type of savings plan.
Affordable Dental Care is Everywhere
By exploring these seven different options, you can find free basic dental care that fits your budget. Whether it’s free clinics or low-cost insurance plans, free dental care is available if you know where to look.
