Free Dental Work Charity

In hard economic times, it may be necessary to find a free dental work charity. Household budgets already stretched to the maximum sometimes don't allow for dental care. Regular oral care, however, is important for self-esteem and overall health.

Charitable Organizations

Finding reduced cost oral care services may take resourcefulness and determination, but services are available.

Check with your state dental association. These groups may have programs for those who need services but are not able to afford them. Find a list of state associations and their websites at the American Dental Association. Look for programs or services within the association's foundation. Many states dental associations sponsor the Mission of Mercy program, which holds free clinics with volunteer dentists.

Free health clinics will often offer dentistry services. The National Association of Free Clinics has a listing of member free clinics in each state on its website. Some listings are organizations that have more than one clinic, so be sure to check directly for locations.

Community Health Centers may also offer free or low-cost oral care services. These federally funded centers are located in rural and urban areas. To find a community health services near you, check the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration website.

Several nonprofits and foundations offer free dental services to children, senior citizens, the disabled or other special groups.

National Children's Oral Health Foundation is a nonprofit promoting oral health for children. America's Toothfairy provides services through affiliates in a variety of formats:

• Stand alone clinics
• Comprehensive community health and dental facilities
• Hospital clinics
• Dental universities and oral hygiene schools
• Mobile oral care facilities
• School based dental programs
• Communities partners

Christina's Smile provides mobile dental services to approximately 20 communities in the United States. Christina's Smile works in cooperation with the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.

Give a Kid a Smile (GKAS) is a national program of the American Dental Association (ADA) providing free oral care for children in need. Over 12,000 dentists participate in GKAS. While the annual event is scheduled for the first Friday in February, local programs may schedule other dates. The state or local dental association will have more information about upcoming GKAS events.

Donated Dental Services (DDS) is a program providing oral care to those who are permanently disabled or to senior citizens. Patients visit a volunteer dentist in the dentist's office. Each state has some type of DDS program, usually organized through the state dental association. To find a DDS program in your state, visit the National Foundation for Dentistry of the Handicapped website.

The American College of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (ACCDCF) sponsors Give Back a Smile, which provides free care to those who have oral needs because of a domestic violence situation. Visit the ACCDCF website for an application and further information.

Dental colleges and universities often offer student clinics for oral care services to qualifying individuals. Each school has different requirements and schedules. For a list of accredited colleges and universities and their websites, check the ADA website.

Talk to local dentist's offices and explain your situation. Ask if services can be provided at a reduced cost. Be patient, as it may make take several calls to find a dentist willing to work for a reduced fee.

Check with the local government health and human services office. They may have programs or lists of dentists who will provide the needed care.

Contact local social service organizations about possible oral care programs. You can find social service agencies in the yellow pages or on the Internet.

There are many opportunities to find a free dental work charity to provide oral care. Be creative and persistent, but most of all, recognize that receiving care is important to your health.

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• Category:Charitable Organizations