Dental proceedings are often costly, and if you don’t have dental insurance, it can be unaffordable. Fortunately, we have some free and cheaper methods to help you get rid of pain. In this article, we have mentioned the ten practical ways how to get a free dental makeover.
Top 8 NGOs help in the free dental makeover.
| Non-profit Organisation | Requirements | Country | How to Apply | Free/Discounted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Dental Life Network |
| USA | Apply here | Free |
| Smile for Everyone | People eligible for poverty standards. | Ghana, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Thailand, Philippines, and the United States | You can apply there locally | Free |
| Give Kids a Smile | For kids only | USA | It would be best if you found the nearest clinic (click here to find it) | Free & Discounted |
| AADP Foundation | For kids only | USA | You need to find a nearby clinic (click here to find it) | Free |
| Mission of Mercy | Patients in low dental facility areas and low-income group | USA | You can find out if there is a Mission of Mercy program near you. | Free & Discounted |
| Give Back a Smile | Victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking (read 6th point to know more) | USA | Apply here | Free & Discounted |
| The Kaufman Fund Dental Program | Low-income U.S Veterans who are not eligible for VA dental benefits | USA | steve@thekaufmanfund.org or call them at 314-265-6263 | Free |
| State Programs | Depends on program | USA & UK | Scroll down to the 8th point | Free |
Table of Contents
How to Get a Free Dental Makeover?
First, you can look for free dental camps or NGOs that help you get a free dental makeover. You can visit their website or offline and register for a free dental makeover.
#1. The Dental Lifeline Network
Link – The Dental Lifeline Network
Location – United States
Whom they help – They help senior citizens, adults with a disability, or someone in need of life-saving care. These are three eligibility criteria they mentioned on their website –
- Over 65 years of age
- Permanently disabled
- Need medically necessary dental care
How to Apply –
- Firstly, Go to https://dentallifeline.org/apply-for-help/application/
- Complete the application and then tap on Submit.
- Then, you will receive a postcard which you need to provide supporting documents. (for example, age proof)
- If they find you eligible, they will schedule an appointment with the volunteer dentist in your state.
- As they mention, the waiting process can take months to years due to the high volume of applications. However, it depends on your state.
#2. Smiles for Everyone
Link – Smiles For Everyone
Location – Ghana, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Thailand, Philippines, and the United States.
Whom they help – The only requirement is to be eligible for their poverty standards.
How to Apply –
You can apply locally and find out if they are running any dental programs in your state. ‘Days of Giving’ and ‘Dental Makeovers’ are local services they provide. You can get enrolled there with the help of the local community; they offer services in eight countries.
#3. Give Kids a Smile
Link – Give Kids a Smile
Location – United States
Whom they help – The program is for kids who don’t have access to dental care.
How to Apply –
Give Kids a Smile is a program organized by American Dental Association. It was started in 2003, and since then, they have helped over 6 million kids. Although they don’t promise free dental makeovers, it can depend on one’s ability to pay.
To book an appointment, you must find the nearest clinic of the Give Kids a Smile program. You can visit this page to find the nearest clinic.
#4. AAPD Foundation
Link – AAPD Foundation
Location – United States
Whom they help – The program is only for kids.
How to Apply –
AAPD Foundation (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation) is a charitable organization that donates to NGOs or camps that provide dental care. They have donated $8 million donations to 161 organizations. It would be best to find a nearby AAPD-supported clinic to apply for an appointment. You can find such clinics on their website – AAPD Foundation.
#5. Mission of Mercy
Link – Mission of Mercy
Location – United States
Whom they help – Nothing specifically mentioned; their foundation helps patients in under-reserved areas without enough practitioners.
How to Apply –
Mission of Mercy (MOM) is a Virginia Dental Association-run program that provides dental support in under-researched areas of the state. To find out if they are running any program nearby, you can check out their website – Mission of Mercy.
Requirements of the program vary from state to state, so check out their requirements before booking an appointment.
#6. Give Back a Smile
Link – Give Back a Smile
Location – United States
Whom they help – They help victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. They have some requirements as well –
- Age requirement – 18+
- The program doesn’t provide help with dental neglect, like Cavities, Gum Disease, Jaw Injuries, etc.
- The applicant should be away from all abusive relationships (to know in brief, check out their website)
How to Apply –
- If you are an eligible patient, you can go to https://www.givebackasmile.com/apply.
- To apply, you can either fill out the application form or perform community service of 10 hours.
- Application form costs $20 (non-refundable fees)
- Then, you need to fill out the Support Verification Form.
- After completing the Support Verification Form, you must send a cover letter or official agency letterhead.
- Revisit the website, tap on Apply now, and follow the instructions for an appointment.
#7. The Kaufman Fund Dental Program
Link – The Kaufman Fund Dental Program
Location – United States
Whom they help – The Kaufman Fund Dental Program helps low-income U.S. veterans with serious dental needs but do not qualify for VA dental benefits.
How to Apply –
If you are a veteran that qualifies for this program, you can email – steve@thekaufmanfund.org or call them at 314-265-6263.
#8. State Programs
Here are some of the government-funded programs that have their eligibility criteria. You can visit their website for more information.
- Medicaid – Medicaid is a state-funded program for people with low income. You can apply if you are under 18 or over 65 or a disabled person. (Link – Medicaid)
- CHIP – Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is another state-funded program for children. The program supports the relief of pain or infection, teeth restoration, and dental health maintenance. (Link – CHIP)
- NHS – National Health Service is a United Kingdom state program it offers free dental makeovers or reduced bills to veterans, the elderly (over 60), kids (under 18), low-income groups, and those being pregnant or having a baby recently. (Link – NHS)
Related – Is Dental Bonding Covered by Insurance
Final Words
Dental proceedings are too costlier; however, taking care of your oral health is essential. This article provided information about getting a free or cheap dental makeover. However, another option is to take dental insurance. Dental insurance covers the cost of treatment, and you can get rid of such pain without considering its cost.
I hope this article helped you in some way; thanks for reading!
See Also…
Understanding The Importance Of Orthodontic Treatment(Opens in a new browser tab)
