California state government already has the Medicaid program to help low-income residents with necessary and critical treatments. Oral health is also included in this program. Medi-cal is the specialized dental grant under the Medicaid program. Additionally, several programs and organizations get dental grants from the government to treat vulnerable residents. Though there are age-based eligibility criteria for this grant everyone including children, youth, and senior citizens can apply for free or low-cost dental treatments.
If you or anyone in your family have dental issues and struggling to find affordable or free treatment then don’t worry as the Californian government assures your treatment. These dental grants help with necessary dental checks up, emergency dental treatment, and critical dental surgeries. This article will help low-income Californians who are looking for a dental grant to get critical dental treatment or related surgeries.
Who is Eligible for Dental Grants in California?
There is a wide range of dental services available to Medicaid beneficiaries in California, including children and adults. As a result of dental grant funding in California, local communities have increased access to dental services, improved research programs, and strengthened oral health education.
Underserved populations in California can now access oral health care through the California Dental Access Project (CDAP). Besides, people of all income levels have access to some of the dental clinics in California. Several of these centers provide free dental care or care at a reduced price. There are slight differences in the services offered at each California location. There are a variety of services in California based on age levels. Here you can get an idea of the eligibility of Dental grants in California.
- California has its own Medicaid program called Medi-Cal. The Department of Health Services’ Office of Medi-Cal Dental Services (OMDS) administers this program in the state. In addition to dental cleanings, fillings, and oral surgery, Medi-Cal covers diagnostic, preventive, and restorative services for children and adults.
- In partnership with Delta Dental Plan of California (Delta Dental), OMDC provides reduced fees for dental care through Denti-Cal.
- uninsured Children can obtain health care through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Low-income families with children under 19 can get low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance.
- California’s Children’s Dental Disease Prevention Program promotes, protects, and ensures the oral health of its schoolchildren.
- Low-income adults who are 21-64 years old and do not qualify for Medi-Cal can apply for reimbursement through the County Medical Services Program (CMSP).
- Individuals who have no other source of payment receive reimbursement for services through the Rural Health Services Program (RHS) or the California Healthcare for Indigents Program (CHIP).
- Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) provides health screenings and treatment with reimbursement from the Children’s Treatment Program (CTP).
- In California, the Children’s Services program (CCS) pays for the treatment of dental conditions for children. CCS arranges and pays for diagnostic evaluations if a low-income family has a child with a medically eligible condition. But the parents and child have to be legal California residents.
Types of Dental Grants in California
Oral diseases are a major problem in California and throughout the country. In turn, vulnerable populations, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, children, the elderly, and people of color, are more likely to suffer from oral diseases.
The availability of oral health care services in California is severely limited. To meet the acute care needs of the population, public health resources are under immense pressure to provide dental grants.
1. California Cosmetic Dental Grants
The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance and improve the appearance of your smile. Dental bonding, teeth whitening, crowns, veneers, and dental bonding are all part of our comprehensive cosmetic services.
It has been reported that the California Dental Association has donated almost $6 million to community clinics and mobile dental programs. Get low-cost dental services by visiting https://www.cda.org/Home/Public/Low-cost-Dental-Services.
2. California Dental Implant Grants
When a tooth is missing, a smile is ruined. In other words, now is the perfect time to get a dental implant if you are missing a tooth.
In California, dental implants are among the most affordable in the country. With an average price of $2,271 per implant in Los Angeles, dental implants are the most affordable in the country.
Other Dental Grants in California
1. Medicare
The Medicare health assistance program helps people with medical bills they can’t handle. There’s also coverage for health expenses, emergency bills, personal care costs, etc. It covers the cost of medical emergency examinations, such as tooth extraction before any other surgery. Among the dental treatments that Medicare does not cover are dental fillings, root canals, cleanings, and dentures.
2. American dental association
Families and individuals who are low- or middle-income can benefit from this charity-based organization. People with low or middle incomes who are unable to afford dental care can receive support from them. As per state laws, the American Dental Association assists beneficiaries. Additionally, their contact number is 800-232-6108, so you can get more info.
3. Community health centers
The US Department of Human and Health Services built community health centers. There are different types of health programs at each community health center. What’s cool is that they all offer dental care support, so people can get free dental care.
Visit the website at https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ or call 1-877-696-6775 to get more information.
4. (PACE) Program for all-inclusive care for the elderly
The PACE program provides dental and other services to seniors 55 years old or older as part of a health-supportive program. Dental care is part of PACE’s health assistance. Whenever you need health care from PACE, you’ll have to check if you qualify for the eligibility requirements. For more information on PACE and its services, call 1-877-486-2048.
5. Dentistry from the Heart
Dentistry from the Heart is a non-profit dentistry group. The goal of this organization is to reach everyone who needs dental help. The program is available to senior citizens and they can take advantage of its services and benefits. Local dentists participate in this program and offer free dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions to people in need. The dentists also participate in events organized by the organization and offer their services to individuals. Take a look at https://dentistryfromtheheart.org/ for more information. Get in touch with them at 1-727-849-2002 and they’ll tell you about the event.
6. The dental lifeline networks
In addition to providing health assistance, the Dental Lifeline Network also provides dental services. The organization is a charitable non-governmental organization. Providing free dental care and education to people in need is the mission of this organization. Those who are permanently disabled, experiencing financial difficulties, or over 65 years of age can benefit from the services offered by this organization. However, seniors who qualify for help with dental care and who meet the criteria will be eligible for assistance. Donated Dental Services, Dental House Calls, and Bridge/Campaign of Concern are examples of programs offered under these umbrellas. Several programs provide free dental treatment but Donated Dental Services is the largest. For further information about the Dental Lifeline Network and its programs, you may visit their website at https://dentallifeline.org/about-us/our-programs/. You may also reach them by telephone at 303-534-5360.
How To Apply for a Dental Grant in California?
Dental grants are available for California’s most vulnerable residents. As a matter of public health, the state considers it essential. Additionally, these grants help low-income and underserved Californians get oral health treatment through charity organizations. Therefore, these organizations can get supplies and other materials for procedures and oral health services. Moreover, you may be able to obtain affordable dental care through grants. You can locate local community health centers and learn about California dental grants on the HRSA website https://www.hrsa.gov/.
It is important to note that California dental grants are only available to those who have completed an oral health assessment and have visited a qualified dental program. If you meet the requirements for oral care, you’re an eligible candidate. Also, keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will receive a grant. There are also other factors to consider, such as the number of applicants and the amount of money available for distribution.
How Do California Dental Grants Work
In California, MediCal, the state’s Medicaid program, offers free or low-cost dental services to children and adults.
1. Apply online
If you wish to request a grant, please fill out the 30-second online application with the information they will need to process the request.
2. Get a dentist who accepts dental grant
As part of their network, they will locate a qualified dental provider in your area who specializes in the procedure you require.
3. Save on your treatment
Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be eligible for a discount of 30% to 50% on your procedure.
Types of Oral Treatment that California Dental Grants Allow
The California Dental Grants program is not affiliated with the state of California and is not sponsored by any government or state agency. However, these are the dental treatments that an eligible patient can get from this program.
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Sedation Dentistry
- Fluoride treatments
- Emergency services
- Tooth removal
- Fillings and crowns
- Root canal treatments
- Scaling and root planning
- Periodontal maintenance
- Complete and partial dentures
- Denture relines
- Orthodontics (braces) for children who qualify
- Invisalign
- Veneers
- Gum Treatment
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Prosthetics
- Exams and x-rays
- Much More
