Where can I get free or low-cost dental care as a senior?

What this means

• A community health center must charge you based on what you earn, and the discount applies whether or not you have insurance.
• Dental school clinics cost far less because students do the work under faculty supervision. Visits take longer but the quality is closely checked.
• Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental, and many state Medicaid programs cover adult dental, though what is covered varies widely by state.

What to do first

1. Find your nearest community health center and ask for the dental clinic and the sliding fee scale application.
2. Call the dental school in your state and ask about their patient clinic waiting list.
3. Apply to Dental Lifeline Network if you need extensive work and cannot afford it. Expect a waiting list, because volunteer dentists take a limited number of patients.
4. Ask a SHIP counselor whether your state's Medicaid covers adult dental and whether you may qualify.

What you'll need

• Proof of income for the sliding fee scale
• Photo identification and proof of address
• Any insurance cards, including Medicare and Medicaid
• A list of your medications, which the dentist needs before treatment

Where to go

• Find a health center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ — enter your address and look for one listing dental services.
• Dental Lifeline Network: https://dentallifeline.org/ — state-by-state application for free comprehensive care.