Dental care is critical to everybody, whether kids or seniors because it enables them to stay sound and healthy. Additionally, it helps them prevent other diseases that result from dental conditions. The affordability of dental care through implants is like climbing a steep mountain for many people, especially the disabled. This is because it requires you to have lots of money to cater for the procedure and pay the dentist’s fee. As a result, many people suffer from dental issues because of a lack of treatment.
Many government grants for dental implants and private entities offer free dental implant grants. This tutorial will unravel some free dental implant grants for the disabled to help you not suffer more. Besides, we will give you the official procedure for applying for a free dental implant grant. If you apply and fail to secure a grant, we also have alternatives that work best for the disabled. Please come with us!
Are Free Dental Implants For The Disabled Available?
Are you looking for free dental implants for the disabled? Fortunately, there are government and non-governmental organizations and programs that provide free dental implant support to disabled people. Generally, disabled people with low incomes require free dental implant assistance from such organizations. This is because, despite their disability weaknesses, they cannot raise money to cater for the expenses which are too high.
For instance, there are dental schools that offer free dental implants to disabled people. As we will see later in this tutorial, there are also other programs that offer free dental implants for disabled people. Despite many programs offering free dental implants, you must do some research to know the ones with packages for people in that category.
Dental implants have many procedures before the process is completed making it more expensive. However, the process has been easy with grants from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Let us look at some free dental implant programs that cover the cost of dental treatment.
Free Dental Implants Programs That Cover The Cost Of Dental Treatment
Many organizations are offering free dental implants to disabled people. All you need is to look for sources offering free dental implants for disabled people across the country. Such sources include charities, governmental grants, clinics conducting trials, dental schools, and some local health centers.
Additionally, Social Security has two programs that support people with permanent disabilities to have dental implants. Such programs include;
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This program covers disabled people who do not earn money to get few resources for dental implant procedures. Besides, all SSI recipients can also participate in the Medicaid program and have their dental implant services covered.
2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
This program is typically for people with disability who work and pays the FICA taxes. If you usually pay SSDI, get dental services from Medicaid for two years, after which you are promoted to Medicare. Once you graduate from Medicaid to Medicare, you must enroll in an Advantage plan covering your dental services.
Those are the two programs under Social Security through which you can get dental treatment if you are disabled. However, the intensity of the assistance mostly depends on which program supports you. In the next section, we will examine some programs offering free dental implants to the disabled. Let us dive into it to help you get a dental grant for yourself or a relative.
How To Get Free Dental Implants For The Disabled?
There are numerous programs funded by government and non-governmental that assist disabled people in having dental implants. If you qualify for any of the programs, you are usually guaranteed total funding for the procedures. Here are some of the programs offering free dental implants for disabled people.
1. Donated Dental Service
Donated Dental Service is approved by the American Dental Association Foundation—one of the most respected dental organizations in the United States. The Dental Lifeline Network typically funds them to facilitate free comprehensive dental services to the disabled.
Kindly note that you do not qualify for dental implants automatically by participating in the program. In most cases, the dentist you are working with determines the best treatment for your teeth. After knowing what you will be treated for, you can visit the ADA website at adafoundation.org/en and apply.
Complete the application form on the website and attach all the documents that prove the disability. Once you qualify, you will see your name listed on the waiting list of qualified people. If you fail to qualify, ADA sends you a denial letter informing you of your application’s rejected status. Kindly note that the application mostly takes months before confirmation, so you must be patient.
2. Give Back a Smile
Give Back a Smile is a program that provides dental care to disabled people involved in domestic or sexual violence. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry funds the organization. You can visit givebackasmile.com/ and learn more about the mode of application.
All the applicants must satisfy specific requirements before qualifying for the grant. For instance, you will not be given any assistance if you involve self-negligence issues. Additionally, they do not do any prior dental work on you before you qualify for the funding. Your dentist will determine your eligibility before the Give Back a Smile approves you.
3. Free Dental Implants from clinical trials
Several clinics allow practitioners to run tests of new drugs and techniques to discover solutions. When running trials on dental problems, there is a mandatory requirement that all risks be managed. Kindly note that these procedures require people suffering from a particular dental disease. So, it would be best if you looked for a clinic running trials on your dental problem for a free dental implant from the clinic. You can visit the US National Library of Medicine at clinicaltrials.gov and learn about the currently running programs.
4. Dental Schools
In most cases, many dental schools need patients for the students to do practicals. You do not need to be scared because licensed professionals supervise the students during the process. Disabled patients who volunteer and are in financial crisis typically get free dental implants. You can contact a dental school near you to inquire if they need a patient for dental implant practical. You never know; you can get a free dental implant if you have disabilities.
5. Explore State and Local dental societies
There are several pro bono dental implants and clinical trials in most states and the local dental community. Unfortunately, not so many people are usually about. Some dental organizations typically provide free dental implants or offer grant funding to disabled people. All you need to benefit from them is the information on the day and location they will provide such services.
Kindly open your browser and search ada.org to find more information about the same. If you have a bad credit score, you can be sure about getting a dental implant free without paying any cent. This is because awarding a grant does not depend on the credit score.
Steps To Apply for A Dental Implant Grant
Are you acquainted with how you can get free dental implant grants? Kindly note that before you secure a dental grant, there is a procedure that you must follow. This section will look at a step-by-step process for applying for a dental grant in the United States.
- Research to know which grant is available in your state or the organizations offering such services. After you settle on one, kindly start your application.
- Provide proof of why you need assistance conducting dental implants for your teeth.
- If you were applying for the grant online from the organization’s website, submit all the appropriate documentation. This is usually done after filling out the application form on the organization’s official website.
- Wait for the communication about the status of your application from the organization you are seeking a dental grant. Most organizations typically have a jury panel that evaluates each application to verify if you truly need the grant before they can award it.
- If you qualify for the grant, you must find a qualified doctor for an oral examination for official verification by the organization.
- According to the oral evaluation done to you by the dentist, the dentist will determine your eligibility for the dental implants grant. Fortunately, if you are eligible, the dentist will help you with the remaining application procedures.
- After the evaluation, the dentist will send the information to the organization sponsoring your dental implant. The organization will include the evaluation report in your application, and they will scan your application again. If you qualify, you will be given funds to undergo a dental implant via cosmetic dentistry and dental implant grant programs.
- The last step will be to see the dentist or go to a dental school and have your surgery done. In most cases, the grant usually covers all your dental implant expenses. However, you should see your dentist for a breakdown of the costs covered by the programs.
By following the above procedure, you stand a high chance of receiving a dental implant grant for the organization of your choice. Fortunately, these steps help you get the grant amount more quickly and easier. When you apply, the main target is to win the grant and have your dental implant done. Kindly ensure that you provide the correct personal information. For instance, your application should not have any errors because this may contribute to your application being rejected.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Yes. Several alternatives are recommended over doing a dental implant. Let us look at some of these options you need to opt for if you do not get the grants.
1. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is usually recommended if you have one or more missing teeth. It is generally supported using dental crowns on all sides of the tooth that is missing. After the fixing, you typically speak or eat without them slipping out of your mouth or becoming loose. Once fixed, you cannot differentiate them from natural teeth, and you can easily clean and maintain them.
The dental crowns on the other teeth typically support the bridges to prevent damage and drifting out of their position. However, it would be best if you kept the adjacent teeth healthy and robust for the durability of the bridges.
2. Dentures
Dentures are typically removable teeth with a natural look made of acrylic, metal, or nylon. There are two types of dentures, partial and full, that you can choose from depending on the number of teeth you want to be restored. Let us learn the difference between the two dentures.
3. Partial Dentures
Do you want to replace one or more missing teeth on both jaws? Partial dentures are the perfect option for you. They are typically made of gum bases that hold the teeth being replaced and attach the supporting teeth. Kindly note that sometimes you may need a crown on the supporting teeth for a perfect fitting of teeth.
4. Full Dentures
These types of dentures are mostly recommended, especially when you have lost teeth. Additionally, if your existing teeth have to be removed due to tooth decay, you can opt for full dentures. If conducting a full upper denture, you must form a seal with the bone ridges, palette, and gums. For the lower full dentures, you will need dental implants (mostly known as anchors) to hold the dentures.
5. Resin-Bonded Bridge
Resin-bonded bridges are usually similar to dental bridges and function like natural teeth. The critical difference between the two is, in resin bridge, the false teeth are attached using resin, not adjacent teeth. The resin is typically attached behind the teeth so that it may hold the false tooth in its position. Fortunately, this procedure is reversible if the need arises to remove the false teeth.
6. Flipper
This is a temporally partial denture with a natural look typically attached to your missing tooth’s sides. It mainly relies on your mouth’s palate or the suction of the roof. A flipper tooth prevents the adjacent teeth from drifting and is usually easy to wear. Kindly note that the flipper cannot provide a permanent solution, and they are very cheap.
Does Disability Insurance Cover Dental?
Yes, there is basic social security disability insurance that covers dental care. Additionally, Medicaid disability dental coverage typically helps adults with disabilities access dental services without paying. Kindly note that these services are only offered to disabled adults who are under 65 years. Kindly search usa.gov/disability-benefits-insurance for more information about Medicaid dental coverage.
How Can I Find a Dentist That Accepts Medicaid?
The simplest way to find out dentists who accept Medicaid is by searching the internet. Several keywords will help you land a dentist who accepts the Medicaid program. For instance, searching the keyword “dentist who accepts Medicaid….” and adding your state’s name will give you the list.
You can also search the dentists in your nearby state if your area does not have one. After the list appears, kindly look at the dentists who accept the Medicaid program for adults with disability. After locating them, you can apply for the one you feel offers better services.
Are There Dentists for People with Disabilities?
Several dentists and clinics across the country offer dental care to people with disability. You can visit any nearby dentist and ask them if they can refer you to a professional who handles disabled people. Fortunately, there is a law in place that requires all dentists or dental clinics to refer such patients to a professional if they are unable. So, you can visit any dental clinic and get a referral to a better and more professional dentist for better help.
