Low income dental care can be difficult to find — but there are free, reduced-cost, and charitable dental programs across the United States that can help.
This nationwide guide will show you exactly how to find low income dental clinics, assistance programs, and special events so you can get the care you need without breaking the bank.
Charitable Low Income Dental Programs
If you don’t qualify for government help, there are many nonprofit organizations that focus on making dental care affordable — and sometimes free. These programs can fill the gap for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Dental Lifeline Network
This program offers once-in-a-lifetime help to people over 65, those who are permanently disabled, or patients who need medically necessary dental work but can’t afford it. It doesn’t cover implants or cosmetic treatments, but it can help with essential care. Apply at dentallifeline.org.
Missions of Mercy
These large-scale events provide free oral care to anyone who attends. They usually run for two days and serve thousands of people. Each event may have its own attendance rules, so it’s worth checking the schedule at adcf.net/clinic-schedule.
Remote Area Medical Volunteers
Remote Area Medical (RAM) offers free dental, vision, and medical care at mobile clinics across the U.S. Since the lines can be long, arrive early and come prepared with water, snacks, and any medications you need.
Free Dentistry Day
On certain days each year, participating dental offices provide free services. You can find upcoming events at freedentistryday.org/events.
Smiles for Everyone
This organization holds “Day of Giving” events for free basic care. Some patients who attend these events may be selected for more extensive treatment through their Smile Makeover or Implanting Inspiration programs.
Gifted Smiles
Gifted Smiles provides braces or aligners for children under 18 who meet certain income and dental criteria. There’s a $200 administration fee, but it can save families thousands of dollars.
Smiles Change Lives
This program connects children ages 7–18 with volunteer orthodontists for reduced-cost braces. There’s a $30 application fee and $650 payment if selected, which is much less than the average cost of treatment. You can see more details on their website.
Give Kids a Smile
Held mainly in February, these events offer free dental care for children. They are organized by Give Kids a Smile, but they don’t appear to maintain a directory of all the events.
Additional events may be scheduled throughout the year but they can be hard to find. I recommend checking gkas.ada.org for prior events and following the organizations that have participated in the paston social media. You can also search online for local events.
Give Veterans a Smile
This new program encourages dentists to offer free services to veterans every November. It’s a valuable option since most veterans don’t qualify for VA dental benefits.
There doesn’t appear to be a list of participants tracked anywhere, so follow your local news sources and check with your local dentists to see if they participate.
Government Programs for Low Income Dental Care
If you’re struggling to afford dental treatment, government programs may be the best place to start. Many of these options are free for qualifying patients, and others operate on a sliding fee scale to make care more accessible.
Medicaid & CHIP
Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children, including relief from pain and infections, restoration of teeth, and routine maintenance.
In some states, Medicaid can also provide free dental care for eligible adults. However, adult coverage varies by state because the federal government doesn’t mandate minimums for adults.
Since there’s no national standard for adults, it’s important to check with your state Medicaid office or website to see what’s included where you live.
Medicare & Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental work, except in rare situations where the dental care is medically necessary due to another condition.
Some Medicare Advantage plans do offer dental benefits, but coverage details can vary. Before scheduling care, confirm which services are included, which dentists are in-network, and any limits on coverage.
If you’d like personalized, one-on-one help choosing the best Medicare plan for you, contact our partner Chapter at (417) 319-2139 or this quick survey.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
FQHCs provide dental care on a sliding fee scale based on income. They serve patients with or without insurance and usually won’t turn you away if you can’t pay the full cost.
You can search for one in your area using the Find a Health Center tool.
Other Low Income Clinics
If you still can’t find what you need through the other resources on this page, you may want to explore other local options.
Many nonprofit and community-based clinics offer reduced-cost or free care to low-income patients. These may include faith-based organizations, charitable foundations, and free clinic networks.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you find them — check out our Low Income Dental Clinics Directory for more information.
Other Government Programs
There are some other government programs that may be able to help you with low income dental care also. These include:
- VA Dental: Some veterans can get care through VA Dental, depending on eligibility.
- Indian Health Service: Members of the American Indian/Alaska Native community may qualify for services.
- County and City Health Departments: Often run clinics or maintain lists of low-cost dental providers.
Additional Options for Low Income Dental Services
Even if you don’t qualify for free services, you can still reduce your costs significantly by choosing the right providers and payment options.
Dental & Hygiene Schools
Dental schools can be a great place to save money. Students provide care under the supervision of licensed professionals. Appointments can take longer, but the lower prices make it worth the wait.
In-House Membership Plans
Some private dental offices offer annual memberships that include free cleanings and discounts on other services. If you don’t have insurance, this can be a cost-effective way to get routine care.
In-House Financing
Some dentists offer payment plans that don’t require perfect credit. Spreading the cost over several months can make larger treatments more manageable.
Other Ways to Find Help
- Call 2-1-1 (United Way) to ask about free clinics and pop-up events near you.
- Check your state dental association’s website for charity programs.
- Your county health department may also have a list of local providers who charge reduced rates.
- Don’t overlook faith-based organizations and community action agencies, which sometimes offer emergency dental help.
FAQ about Low Income Dental Help
If you still have questions about finding affordable dental care, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to understand their options or figure out where to start. This FAQ answers some of the most common questions we hear about low income dental resources and how to use them.
The most affordable options are usually low income dental clinics, dental school clinics, and charitable events like Free Dentistry Day or Missions of Mercy. These often provide free or reduced-cost services. You can find more details in our Low Income Dental Clinics Directory.
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental services, but some Medicare Advantage plans do. Coverage varies, so you should check your plan’s details before scheduling care.
Yes, if you qualify for Medicaid, children’s dental care is always covered. Adult coverage varies by state. Contact your state Medicaid office to confirm benefits.
Some nonprofits, such as the Dental Lifeline Network, provide free or reduced-cost care to eligible adults. These programs are not true “grants” in the financial sense, but they can cover the cost of treatment.
Follow the advice in this article to search for local FQHCs, calling 2-1-1, and checking your state dental association’s website. Our state-by-state guide has direct links to resources in every U.S. state and territory.
Programs like Smiles Change Lives and Gifted Smiles offer orthodontic treatment to children who meet income and dental health requirements. Some dental schools also offer braces at reduced rates.
Relief Recap
Affordable dental care is possible if you know where to look and how to combine your options. Government programs, charitable clinics, dental schools, and community events all play a role in making treatment accessible to those in need. By using the resources in this guide — and keeping an eye on local opportunities — you can get the care you need without breaking your budget.
