The beauty that comes with a smile is unmatched. However, not everyone is able to afford a good smile. From missing teeth to crooked teeth, there are many dental issues that can affect your smile. In this case, you might be embarrassed whenever you smile. The good news is that most of these problems can be solved by visiting a dentist. If you reside in Florida, cosmetic dentistry and dental implants can cost between $2500 and $6000 per tooth. In case you come from a low-income family, you might not be able to afford to pay for these services upfront. Thankfully, there are dental grant programs in Florida that can act as a lifesaver for you. In this article, we shall take a closer look at how you can get dental grants in Florida, who is eligible for these programs, how you can apply for them, and so on.
Who Is Eligible For Dental Grants In Florida?
From the introduction, it is vivid that you can apply for a dental grants program in Florida and enjoy dental services inexpensively. However, only eligible individuals can be able to enjoy this luxury. For optimal results, you should check whether you are eligible for Dental grants based on a number of factors such as:
- Your medical condition
- Your type of treatment
- Your social status
More importantly, you need to attend and even participate in an oral assessment test. Here, a qualified dentist will establish your eligibility in the dental treatment plan. It is important to note that Florida Dental Association (FDA) runs two dental programs known as:
- Donated Dental Services(DDS)
- Project Dentists Care(PDC)
The above-mentioned two programs offer free or affordable dental care to all eligible individuals. However, these individuals have to meet these eligibility requirements:
- Have 65 years and above
- Be medically fragile
- Have a lifelong disability
- Have a low income. Their low income should be insufficient to cater for the costs associated with dental care treatment.
To learn more, visit floridadental.org
How Do I Apply For Dental Grants In Florida?
Once you have met the much-needed eligibility requirements for dental grants in Florida, you can now go ahead and start the actual application process. Here are the steps that you should follow:
- To start with, visit the site of the organization that offers dental grants in Florida and then fill out an online application form. When filling this form, ensure that you enter the correct details so that your application can be approved.
- Once you fill out this form, the members and staff of the organization offering dental grants will countercheck the details keyed in so that they can confirm whether they are correct or not.
- If your application was okay, a volunteer dentist close to you will be able to offer a free oral health assessment to you. The professional can also offer consultation services if necessary.
- The dentist will then check whether you are eligible for the grant and then recommend the best grant for you. He or she will also let you know the best dental treatment plan and procedure that suits your needs. Additionally, the dentist will inform you whether the recommended dental treatment is available in Florida or not.
Types Of Dental Grants In Florida
If you are looking for dental grants in Florida, here are the various categories that you are likely to come across:
1. Grants for Dental Implant
In case you need to have a dental implant and your budget cannot allow it, be sure that you can get a grant for this treatment. Such grants come in handy for those people who need them urgently. However, you need to establish if you are eligible to get a grant for a dental implant. If you are eligible for this grant, you can go ahead and make your application right away.
2. Dental grants for the disabled people
Just like ordinary people, the disabled are not immune to dental problems. From the loss of a tooth to gum pain, there is a myriad of dental problems that these people grapple with from time to time. Unlike ordinary forks, the disabled might experience difficult times whenever they face such problems.
The problem escalates more if the concerned disabled person comes from a low-income family. Due to the high cost of dental treatment, these individuals might be inconvenienced a great deal. Luckily, they can apply for a dental grant and be able to solve these issues once and for all.
3. Dental grants for veterans
If you are a veteran who comes from a low-income family and has either served in the navy, marine or in the army, be certain that you can now be eligible to get a dental grant and be able to reduce the overall cost of dental treatment.
In case you belong to this category, you can apply for a dental grant for veterans from social welfare organizations, non-profit organizations and volunteer dentists close to you and get started. Additionally, you can take advantage of ADA Foundation grants. Typically, these grants will cater for veteran dental services via the Dental Lifeline Network.
4. Dental grants for senior citizens
It is no brainer that seniors need more attention and care as they age. Since a huge number of them come from low income families, sometimes, they might not be able to afford the finances that are needed to cater for health issues such as dental problems. One way to support such individuals is to offer them dental grants for seniors. As long as your senior meet the eligibility requirements of the dental grant program, he or she will be good to go.
A good example of a grant program for seniors is the ADA Foundation Senior American Access to Care. For you to enjoy the benefits of this grant for senior citizen program, you have to ensure that you are 62 years and above. Additionally, be in dire need for dental treatment.
5. Single Mothers’ dental grants
Unlike other parents, single mums are fond of doing everything on their own. From taking care of their children to paying school fees for them, there are many activities that these parents do alone.
As a result, a number of them face financial challenges when it comes to maintaining their health. If the single mum has a dental problem, she might not be able to cater for the cost that comes with the treatment. Fortunately, the single mom can now apply for a dental grant for single mums and be able to cater for dental treatment seamlessly.
6. Trials of dental implants for free
It is imperative to note that there are free trials that are available for those who require dental implants but can hardly afford the treatment. If you earn a low income and need dental implants for your missing teeth, be certain that you can participate in these trials and enjoy more convenience. The good news is that there are many organizations that keep on organizing these trials at dental institutions, hospitals and schools. If you are eligible to get the grant, you can now go ahead and get a dental implant free of charge.
7. Cosmetic dentistry grants
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry procedures, be sure that you need to set a budget for them. This is because some of them are very costly to afford. If you come from a low-income family, you might not be able to foot the bill upfront. Luckily, you can now apply for cosmetic dentistry grant and be able to cater for these bills on the go.
Whether you have missing teeth or broken teeth, be certain that this grant will enable you to get the cosmetic dental treatment that you need. The best thing is that you will not only get free dental treatment but also high quality services.
Types Of Oral Treatment That Florida Dental Grants Allow
If you are eligible for dental grants in Florida, here are the types of treatments that you are likely to enjoy:
- Tooth whitening
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Enamel shape
Alternative Ways Of Getting Dental Grants In Florida
In case you do not succeed in getting a dental grant in Florida, here are other alternatives that you can consider and restore your smile:
1. Apply for a dental loan
Whether you need to get a dental implant or veneer, you can go ahead and apply for a dental loan and be able to deal with these issues right away. With a dental loan, you will not have to grapple with insufficient funds as it can allow you make payments upfront.
Unlike other methods, this one can work magic if your dental treatment needs you to dig deeper into your pocket. In fact, it has worked magic for many Americans living in Florida. However, as you purpose to take a loan, ensure that you know the terms of the lender. Additionally, ensure that you will be able to re-pay it in good time.
2. Get insurance cover for dental work
Apart from applying for a loan, you can get insurance cover for your dental work. Fortunately, there are many insurance companies that are ready to offer this coverage at budget-friendly premiums. All you need to do is to compare the different offers of the insurance companies in Florida and then choose the one that suits your needs.
3. Consider Financial Assistance Programs
If you have a low income and live in Florida, you can have access to various Finance Assistance Programs and be able to save more on your dental treatment costs. Besides catering for your dental treatment expenses, these programs can now take care of a few daily needs here and there.