While it is recommended that every child have an established dentist until the age of 1 yearit can be difficult to afford regular dental cleanings and exams (or even emergency services) without insurance.
However, there are resources out there for you and your family that include free or reduced cost dental care. Most of these services include cleanings and x-rays, as well as treatments such as root canals, cavity fillings, and tooth extractions.
Finding reduced-cost or free dental care for your child can feel overwhelming at first, but consider these resources to help you get started.
If you can’t access affordable dental coverage, you might consider looking into Medicaid or POTATO. These are government programs that help families get health and dental coverage for their families. Most Medicaid services are covered for children under 21.
You must apply and meet the income qualifications to get this coverage. Review the application and requirements here.
Once approved, you can use your coverage at any private dentist that takes Medicaid. About 43 percent of US dentists accept Medicaid, but be sure to ask before making an appointment for your child.
You can also look here or call (877) 543-7669 (KIDS-NOW) to find Medicaid participating dentists in your area.
Occasionally, you may be able to find community dental events in your area where you can access free dental cleanings and checkups.
One example is the annual Give Kids a Smile event, where volunteer dentists and hygienists provide free cleanings, screenings and education.
This community event is held each February in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month. In 2020 there were 1,500 events across the country.
For future events, check out the Website Give children a smile or call (844) 490–4527 (CCS).
There may also be free dental events at other times of the year in your community. Be on the lookout for information from community clinics as well as your child’s school. Keep in mind that appointments may be limited, so give yourself a reminder on your phone or in your calendar when it’s time to sign your child up for services.
Community health clinics run by the Health Resources and Services Administration help provide health care services to those who cannot afford them. Although not widely advertised, the majority of the 1,400 nationwide clinics also provides reduced cost dental services.
You can find the nearest community health clinic in your area here or call (877) 464-4722 (ASK-HRSA).
All services at community clinics are performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Be sure to call as soon as possible, as appointments can fill up quickly.
Both dental and dental hygiene schools offer dental cleanings and treatments at a reduced cost. Not only can this help offset the cost of dental care for your family, but it also provides aspiring dentists and dental hygienists with the hands-on training they need to complete their degrees.
While the providers at these schools have not yet completed all of their training, all services are supervised by experienced and licensed dentists. Also, unlike community clinics and other events, you may have more appointment options available at dental schools.
Be sure to ask about costs before your child’s appointment. Click here to find dental schools in your state. You can also find dental hygiene schools by state here if you’re looking for basic cleanings and preventative care.
For more extensive dental care that goes beyond cleanings and x-rays, you can consider current clinical trials.
If eligible, your child may be able to receive free or reduced-cost services, while also participating in critical studies with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). You can view current trials and registration details here.
It is important to know that NIDCR clinical trials look for specific dental conditions and diseases and there are certain eligibility requirements for each study. This option does not cover cleanings and other common preventive measures.
While dental visits are important, they are only one aspect of your child’s oral health. You can help your child keep their teeth and gums healthy between visits to prevent cavities, gingivitis and other dental problems.
Get started with the following tips:
- Make sure your child gets a free toothbrush, toothpaste and floss from every dental appointment.
- Have your child brush their teeth twice a day and make sure they floss at least once a day.
- Use only fluoride toothpaste and teach your child how to spit and rinse it properly. Also, make sure your child uses a pea-sized amount each time they brush after age 3 years. Before age 3, use a dab or rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Supervise your child’s brushing habits until they are together aged 6 and 8 years. Younger children may need help with brushing technique, as well as how to properly spit out toothpaste. Help them with the yarn too.
- Reduce your child’s sugar intake. This includes candy and sticky snacks, as well as fruit juices and sugary cereals.
Dental care is an essential part of your child’s overall health, but services can be expensive without dental insurance.
However, there are a number of cost-saving options you may be able to find in your area, including reduced-cost services at dental schools and community clinics, as well as free services at occasional community events. You may also qualify for Medicaid based on your income.
In addition to free or reduced-cost dental care services, you can help boost your child’s oral health with good hygiene practices. Teach your child that taking care of their teeth now can reduce the risk of complications later in life.
