Dental care is something everyone needs. Not only is it important to one’s oral health, but our oral health impacts our overall health, making it a necessity for everyone. Not everyone can easily afford dental care though, which means they may skip it if they don’t know where to look for helpful resources. The good news is that there are programs that provide free dental care for ex-felons.
Free dental care for ex-felons is offered by a variety of resources, depending on where you live. You may be able to get help paying for dental care through the federal government, state or local governments, and by non-profit organizations. The variety of programs that exist help ensure that you will have an option near you, so that you can get the dental care that you need.
In addition to the programs listed below, check with your local churches. Many of them may provide access to free dental care resources, or be able to refer you to local options. Also, check with your local health department. Most counties around the country offer a health department that provides free dental care for those in the community who have a low income.
Another option to free dental care for ex-felons is to contact dental school programs in your area. They are often looking for people from the community who they can provide free dental care to in exchange for the students getting real-life experience, under the guidance of a professor.
Programs Offering Free Dental Care for Ex-Felons
Jesus Clinic – This clinic offers free dental care for ex-felons, as well as others who need assistance. Those who need help can contact them to inquire about when they provide the free dental care. They offer free clinic dates throughout the year that people can go to for services. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program helps pay for healthcare expenses for those who have a low income. The coverage does include dental care, as well as other types of healthcare. Those who are approved for the program will be able to go to the dentist and get treatment for free. To qualify for Medicaid, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. Medicaid is offered in every state, and you will have to apply for it through your state’s agency. To get more information or apply for Medicaid, click here.
Dental Lifeline Network – This organization matches people who need free dental care with those who are willing to provide it. To be eligible to receive the assistance, you have to meet one of the following conditions: be over the age of 65, be permanently disabled, or need dental care that is considered medically necessary. Many people who need free dental care are experiencing a medically necessary condition, which would help make them eligible for receiving help through this program. You can only use the program once in a lifetime, and if you have any type of dental insurance, such as Medicaid, you will need to use that resource first. To get more information about the program, click here.
AAPD Foundation – This program helps provide free dental care for the children of ex-felons, and others who meet the eligibility requirements. The program focuses on providing children with the dental care that they need and their families may not be able to afford. They have helped nearly 600,000 children to obtain free dental care. Ex-felons who are looking for free dental care for their child should contact this program for help. To get more information, click here.
VA Dental Care – Ex-felons who are also veterans may be able to get free dental care through the Veteran’s Administration (VA). The dental care is provided at over 200 approved clinics around the country. They also provide a reduced rate dental health insurance, helping to make buying a plan more affordable. To get more information and see if you qualify for free dental care through the VA, click here.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – This program provides state-run programs that help people to obtain dental insurance. They can help people to obtain Medicaid and find other resources that can help with providing free dental care for ex-felons. To get more information and to apply for help through SHIP, click here.
United Way – This organization is found around the country and they have a mission of helping people find the programs they need to survive and thrive. You can contact them to find local programs in your area that will provide free dental care for ex-felons. Their resources can help you find programs in your local area that provide free dental care that would otherwise be difficult to locate. To get more information, click here.
Dental Schools – As mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to contact your local dental school to see if they provide free dental treatments. Many do this to give the students the ability to practice the treatments on real people. The public benefits, because they are able to receive free dental care. While many people know this is an option, they don’t always know how to find local dental schools. Being able to identify where those are makes a big difference. To find a list of dental schools around the country, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization has thousands of locations around the country and they provide helpful services to those in the community. In addition to providing things like free food, shelter, clothing, and transportation vouchers, they can help with obtaining free dental care for ex-felons. In order to get help through this organization you have to contact the one that is closest to you. If they don’t offer the service there, they should be able to provide you with a referral of an organization that can help you locally. To find a location near you, click here.
