Dental care can be expensive, especially for individuals and families without insurance. Unfortunately, many people put off necessary treatments, which can lead to more serious health problems down the road. Thankfully, there are several charities and non-profit organizations that provide free or low-cost dental care to those in need, helping ensure that everyone has access to essential dental services.
Whether you’re facing a dental emergency, need routine care, or can’t afford basic dental services, these organizations are here to help. Below is a list of charities that help with dental care and how you can access their services.
1. America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF)
The America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF) supports Mission of Mercy (MOM) programs, which offer free dental care across the United States. These events, often held over a weekend, provide comprehensive dental care, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more. The care is available to adults and children who cannot afford treatment.
How it Works:
- Free dental clinics: ADCF helps organize large-scale dental clinics where volunteer dentists and dental professionals offer free services.
- Services provided: Cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and more.
- How to access: Visit the Mission of Mercy website to find upcoming events in your state.
2. Dental Lifeline Network (DLN)
Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit that connects individuals with disabilities, elderly people, and medically fragile individuals to volunteer dentists for free, comprehensive dental treatment through their Donated Dental Services (DDS) program.
Who They Help:
- People with permanent disabilities.
- Seniors aged 65 and older.
- Individuals who are medically fragile and cannot afford dental care.
How it Works:
- Volunteer dentists: Licensed dentists and labs volunteer their services for those who qualify.
- Services provided: Comprehensive care, including exams, extractions, crowns, dentures, and more.
- How to apply: Visit the Dental Lifeline Network website to check eligibility and apply for services in your state.
3. Smiles for Everyone Foundation
The Smiles for Everyone Foundation provides free dental care to underserved communities both in the U.S. and abroad. Their Days of Giving events bring volunteer dental professionals together to offer free dental care to low-income individuals.
How it Works:
- Free dental events: Patients receive cleanings, fillings, and extractions during these one-day events.
- Services provided: Preventive care, emergency treatments, and restorative services.
- How to access: Check the Smiles for Everyone Foundation website to find an upcoming Day of Giving event in your area.
4. Give Kids A Smile (American Dental Association)
The Give Kids A Smile program, supported by the American Dental Association (ADA), provides free dental care to children from low-income families across the United States. This initiative aims to ensure that children receive the dental care they need for a healthy start in life.
How it Works:
- Free dental care: Dentists and dental teams provide free oral health services to underserved children.
- Services provided: Exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and more.
- How to access: Contact the ADA or your local Give Kids A Smile event to find out about upcoming opportunities.
5. Remote Area Medical (RAM)
Remote Area Medical (RAM) is a non-profit that provides free medical, dental, and vision services through mobile clinics across the U.S. RAM serves people who do not have access to dental care due to financial or geographic barriers.
How it Works:
- Mobile dental clinics: RAM organizes large-scale, multi-day clinics where volunteer dentists provide free care.
- Services provided: Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and preventive care.
- How to access: Check the Remote Area Medical website for upcoming clinics and the services offered in your area.
6. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers federally funded health centers that provide dental services on a sliding scale based on income. These centers are located throughout the U.S. and are designed to make healthcare, including dental care, affordable for low-income families.
How it Works:
- Low-cost or free dental care: Federally funded health centers provide comprehensive dental services at a reduced cost.
- Services provided: Preventive care, cleanings, X-rays, extractions, and more.
- How to access: Use the HRSA Health Center Locator tool to find a center near you and inquire about dental services.
7. The Smile Foundation
The Smile Foundation provides dental care for underserved children and families in the U.S., focusing on oral health education and preventive care. They work with schools, community centers, and healthcare providers to deliver dental services where they are most needed.
How it Works:
- Mobile dental clinics: Smile Foundation sets up mobile clinics to provide exams, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments.
- Services provided: Basic preventive care and oral health education.
- How to access: Visit the Smile Foundation website to see if they operate in your region.
8. Care Credit (Financing)
While Care Credit is not a charity, it’s worth mentioning for individuals who need immediate dental care but can’t afford it upfront. Care Credit offers healthcare financing options, allowing patients to pay for dental treatments over time without interest if paid within the promotional period.
How it Works:
- Financing dental care: Offers 0% interest payment plans for a specified period (usually 6, 12, or 18 months) on dental procedures.
- How to apply: Visit the Care Credit website or ask your dentist if they accept this payment method.
9. Local Charitable Clinics
In addition to national organizations, many local charitable clinics provide low-cost or free dental services to low-income individuals and families. These clinics are often run by local non-profits, churches, or healthcare organizations. It’s worth checking in your area for local dental charity clinics.
How to Find Local Dental Clinics:
- Use Google to search for “free dental clinics” or “low-cost dental care” in your city.
- Contact your local United Way chapter or dial 2-1-1 to ask for a list of dental clinics near you.
Quick Reference Table: Charities That Help with Dental Care
| Charity/Organization | Services Provided | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| America’s Dentists Care Foundation | Free cleanings, fillings, extractions | Visit their website to find local events |
| Dental Lifeline Network (DDS) | Comprehensive dental care for seniors, disabled individuals | Apply online via their website |
| Smiles for Everyone Foundation | Free dental care at “Days of Giving” events | Visit their website for event locations |
| Give Kids A Smile (ADA) | Free dental care for children | Contact local event coordinators through ADA |
| Remote Area Medical (RAM) | Free dental care via mobile clinics | Check their website for clinic dates |
| HRSA Health Centers | Low-cost or free dental services | Use HRSA’s Health Center Locator online |
| Smile Foundation | Free exams, cleanings, sealants for children | Visit their website to see local operations |
| Care Credit | Financing for dental procedures | Apply through Care Credit or ask your dentist |
| Local Charitable Clinics | Free or low-cost dental care | Search local listings or contact United Way |
Finding affordable dental care can be challenging, but these charities and non-profit organizations are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, has access to essential dental services. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to one of these organizations to get the care you deserve!