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Dental Care Guide for Seniors

Published: October 18, 2022

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Your teeth do more than chew food. They provide structural support for your mouth and cheeks, help you speak clearly and make it possible to form a variety of facial expressions. That’s why good oral hygiene and professional dental care are so important. Unfortunately, some changes associated with aging make seniors more susceptible to oral health problems. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist for a long time, you may also have cavities, gum disease or another condition requiring extensive treatment.

Many seniors also lack access to dental insurance, making it difficult to address minor oral health problems before they turn into serious issues. In 2020, more than half of all seniors had no dental insurance, causing some to delay needed dental care or go without it entirely. Even with dental insurance, it can be difficult for many seniors to afford copays and deductibles associated with dental care.

This guide aims to help seniors avoid serious dental problems by providing tips on maintaining good oral hygiene and explaining the risk factors that make certain dental issues more common in older adults. It also includes an extensive list of resources to help seniors access free or low-cost dental care before minor dental problems turn into more serious ones.

Why Do Seniors Have an Increased Risk of Dental Problems?

While it’s true that you can develop dental problems at any age, seniors have some unique risk factors that make them more likely to lose some of their teeth or develop severe gum disease as they age. These are some of the most relevant risk factors:

  • Insurance issues: Health insurance doesn’t cover most dental problems, so many seniors have to buy separate dental insurance or pay in full for any dental services they receive. This can be a barrier for seniors who can’t afford another monthly expense.
  • Poor dental hygiene: The longer you go without proper brushing, flossing and professional dental care, the more likely you are to develop tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. As a result, more than 20% of Americans are afraid to visit the dentist due to embarrassment over the state of their teeth and gums. Some seniors also avoid the dentist because they’re afraid they’ll need extractions, root canals and other procedures to address the cumulative effects of poor oral hygiene.
  • Cost of care: For some seniors, cost is a major barrier to getting regular dental care. Without insurance, a simple cleaning may cost anywhere between $75 and $200. If you have a dental problem requiring treatment, the cost of care may increase substantially. The Illinois Department of Central Management Services reports that the cost of treating gum disease ranges from $500 to $10,000, for example.
  • Lack of transportation: If you don’t drive and don’t have access to reliable public transportation, it can be difficult to get to the dentist when needed. It can also be difficult to get to the dentist if you’re homebound and don’t have a friend or family member who can drive you. In 2020, about 13% of older Americans were considered homebound, making this a somewhat common problem. If you can’t get routine dental care, you may develop cavities, gum disease or other oral health problems.
  • Medication usage: Seniors are more likely to take prescription medications, some of which cause dry mouth. A lack of saliva also contributes to cavities and other dental problems. More than 40% of older adults take five or more prescriptions each day, increasing the risk.
  • Chronic medical conditions: Certain health conditions increase the risk for oral health problems. Some of these conditions are more common in older adults than in younger people. For example, uncontrolled diabetes is a risk factor for gum disease.

The Most Common Oral Health Conditions in Seniors

Common dental problems for seniors

Over time, a lack of preventive care — combined with financial difficulties, chronic medical conditions and/or the use of certain prescription medications — may lead to the development of serious oral health problems. The table below describes some of the most common conditions and explains how they can impact you.

Condition Description Why Are Seniors Susceptible?
Oral Cancer
  • Abnormal growths in the oral cavity
  • May affect the lips, cheeks, gums, palate and/or tongue
  • Symptoms may include mouth sores that don’t heal, loose teeth, mouth pain, painful swallowing and white/reddish patches inside the mouth
  • The cells sustain damage over time
  • Long-term tobacco use increases the risk
  • Nearly 80% of cases occur in adults 55 and older
Tooth Decay
  • Defined as the destruction of tooth enamel
  • Symptoms include discoloration of the affected tooth, increased tooth sensitivity, bad breath and tooth pain
Gingivitis
  • Inflammation and infection of the gums
  • Symptoms include persistent bad breath, swollen gums, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth and receding gums
  • Seniors are more likely to have diabetes
  • Long-term use of tobacco increases the risk
  • Older adults are more likely to use medications that cause dry mouth, a contributor to gum disease
Tooth Loss
  • One or more teeth fall out of the mouth
  • Associated with gum disease, tooth decay and trauma
  • Seniors are more likely to have gum disease and tooth decay, increasing the risk of tooth loss
  • Older adults have a higher risk of falling, which may cause tooth trauma
Dry Mouth
  • Characterized by a lack of saliva
  • Symptoms may include dryness, bad breath, sore throat, dry tongue and altered sense of taste
  • Some seniors don’t drink enough liquid
  • Seniors tend to take more medications than younger people
  • Older adults may have chronic health conditions that contribute to dry mouth

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Health Conditions in Older Adults

Oral health conditions cause a variety of signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the following, schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.

Symptom Description
Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Typically caused by plaque at the gum line
  • May be caused by ill-fitting dentures
  • You may see blood on your toothbrush or in the sink when you spit
Loose teeth
  • Occurs when tooth begins detaching from bone
  • Tooth may move back and forth when brushing or chewing
Persistent bad breath
Tooth pain
  • Occurs due to irritation of the tooth nerve
  • Potential causes include cracked tooth, tooth decay, dental abscess and infected gums
Hot/cold sensitivity
  • Causes pain when consuming hot and/or cold foods and beverages
  • Potential causes include cavities, gum disease, broken fillings and tooth fractures
Receding gums
  • Occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth
  • You may notice pockets form between the tooth and gum
  • Increases the risk for tooth decay
Dry mouth
  • Characterized by a lack of saliva
  • May be caused by chronic disease, use of medications or lack of fluid intake

Tips to Help Seniors Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Tips to Help Seniors Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

When Should You See a Dentist?

Most people don’t look forward to visiting the dentist, but there are some dental symptoms you really shouldn’t ignore. If you experience any of the following, schedule an appointment with a dental professional.

  • Chipped or cracked tooth: If you chip or crack a tooth, you may experience pain any time you chew something. Without treatment, the damaged tooth may become infected.
  • Bleeding gums: Healthy gums don’t bleed when you brush or floss. If you see blood on your toothbrush or in the sink, it may be a sign of gum disease.
  • Persistent bad breath: It’s normal to have bad breath after eating a garlicky meal or drinking coffee, but if your breath remains bad after you brush and use mouthwash, you may have gum disease, cavities or another dental problem.
  • Chronic dry mouth: You need plenty of saliva to wash away the bacteria that causes plaque and bad breath. If you always have a dry mouth, consult a dentist before you start to develop cavities.
  • Tooth pain: Depending on how severe it is, tooth pain can make it difficult to chew, talk or even get a good night’s sleep. See your dentist to find out what’s causing the pain and address the problem.

Resources to Help Seniors Pay for Dental Care

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If you can’t afford to pay full price for dental care, several programs are available to defray your out-of-pocket costs.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a government insurance program for applicants with limited income and assets. Almost all states offer categorical eligibility for older adults, meaning you may be eligible even if your financial resources exceed the regular limits. Although the federal government doesn’t require Medicaid plans to include dental coverage, many states cover at least some type of dental care.

Eligibility Guidelines

You may be eligible if you meet the following requirements:

  • You reside in the state where you plan to receive Medicaid benefits.
  • You’re a U.S. citizen or belong to an eligible immigrant category.
  • You meet your state’s financial eligibility requirements.

How to Apply for Medicaid

Visit the Medicaid website to find the contact details for your state. You can call the telephone number listed or click the state website link for more information.

Medicare

Medicare provides health coverage for seniors and some younger people with disabilities. Although Original Medicare doesn’t include dental coverage, many Medicare Advantage providers cover routine cleanings, dental X-rays, dentures and other dental services. If you want dental coverage, compare plans carefully to find one that covers the services you need.

Eligibility Guidelines

To enroll in Medicare Advantage, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Eligible for and enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful resident status
  • Reside within the region covered by your selected Medicare Advantage Plan

How to Apply for Medicare

If you’re eligible for Medicare, apply online. Once you sign up for Medicare, you can shop for Medicare Advantage Plans and enroll in the one that has the best combination of coverage and affordability. Medicare.gov has a tool that allows you to compare multiple Medicare Advantage Plans and find out how much you can expect to pay for certain services with each plan offered in your area. An alternative way to apply is through SHIP, a free counseling service for recipients of Medicare.

Student-Run Dental Clinics

Many dental schools run dental clinics staffed by students and faculty members. These clinics give students an opportunity to practice their new skills. In turn, patients have access to high-quality dental care at a reduced cost.

Eligibility Guidelines

Each clinic has its own eligibility guidelines and operating schedule. To find out if you qualify, contact the clinic nearest you for information on becoming a new patient.

How to Access Care at Dental Clinics

Use the table below to find a dental school in your area.

Dental School Location Contact Information
University of Alabama School of Dentistry Birmingham, Alabama (205) 934-2700
Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health Mesa, Arizona Fill out the appointment request form on the ATSU website.
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine Glendale, Arizona (623) 537-6000
California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine Elk Grove, California Clinical services are slated to begin in mid-2023. Call the College of Dental Medicine at (916) 686-7300 for more information.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Los Angeles, California (213) 740-2805
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Loma Linda, California (909) 558-4222
UCLA School of Dentistry Los Angeles, California (310) 206-3904
UCSF School of Dentistry San Francisco, California (415) 476-1891
University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry San Francisco, California (415) 929-6501
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine Pomona, California (909) 706-3910
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Aurora, Colorado (303) 724-2273
University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine Farmington, Connecticut (844) 388-2666
Howard University College of Dentistry Washington, D.C. (202) 806-0007
LECOM School of Dental Medicine Bradenton, Florida (941) 405-1600
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine Fort Lauderdale, Florida (954) 678-2273
University of Florida College of Dentistry Gainesville, Florida (352) 273-6701
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University Augusta, Georgia (706) 721-2371
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Chicago, Illinois (312) 996-7555
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine Downers Grove, Illinois (630) 743-4500
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine Alton, Illinois (618) 474-7000
Indiana University School of Dentistry Indianapolis, Indiana (317) 274-7433
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Iowa City, Iowa (319) 335-7499
University of Kentucky College of Dentistry Lexington, Kentucky (859) 323-6525
University of Louisville School of Dentistry Louisville, Kentucky (502) 852-5096
Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Dentistry New Orleans, Louisiana (504) 619-8770
University of New England College of Dental Medicine Portland, Maine (207) 221-4747
University of Maryland School of Dentistry Baltimore, Maryland (410) 706-7101
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Boston, Massachusetts Fill out the new patient form to request an appointment.
Harvard University School of Dental Medicine Cambridge, Massachusetts (617) 432-1434
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Boston, Massachusetts (617) 636-6998
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry Detroit, Michigan (313) 494-6700
University of Michigan School of Dentistry Ann Arbor, Michigan (734) 763-6933
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Minneapolis, Minnesota (612) 625-2495
University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry Jackson, Mississippi (601) 984-6185
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry Kansas City, Missouri (816) 235-2100
Creighton University School of Dentistry Omaha, Nebraska (402) 280-5990
University of Nebraska Medical Center School of Dentistry Lincoln, Nebraska (402) 472-1333
University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine Las Vegas Nevada (702) 774-2400
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Newark, New Jersey (973) 972-4242
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine New York, New York (212) 305-6100
New York University College of Dentistry New York, New York (212) 998-9800
Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine Stony Brook, New York (631) 632-8989
Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College Hawthorne, New York (914) 594-2700
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Buffalo, New York (716) 262-9750
East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine Greenville, North Carolina (252) 737-7834
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry Chapel Hill, North Carolina (984) 999-1654
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine Cleveland, Ohio (216) 368-8730
Ohio State University College of Dentistry Columbus, Ohio (614) 688-3763
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (405) 271-7744
Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry Portland, Oregon (503) 494-8311
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (215) 898-8965
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (412) 648-8616
Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (215) 707-2900
Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine Charleston, South Carolina (843) 876-7645
Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry Nashville, Tennessee (615) 327-6900
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Memphis, Tennessee (901) 448-6468
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Dallas, Texas (214) 828-8441
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso-Hunt School of Dentistry El Paso, Texas (915) 215-6700
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry Houston, Texas (713) 486-4000
Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine South Jordan, Utah (801) 878-1200
University of Utah School of Dentistry Salt Lake City, Utah (801) 587-6453
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry Richmond, Virginia (804) 828-9190
University of Washington School of Dentistry Seattle, Washington (206) 685-8258
West Virginia University School of Dentistry Morgantown, West Virginia (304) 293-6208
Marquette University School of Dentistry Milwaukee, Wisconsin (414) 288-6790

Veterans Benefits

Overview

If you served in the Armed Forces, you may qualify for dental care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dental services are provided in VA facilities all over the country.

Eligibility Guidelines

The amount of coverage provided depends on your service history. Full coverage is available if you have a 100% disability rating for a service-connected disability, you have a dental condition that’s classified as service-connected compensable or you were a prisoner of war. One-time dental care is available to veterans who served for 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War and veterans who are enrolled in the Homeless Veterans Dental Program.

How to Apply

Visit the Department of Veterans affairs website to fill out the application form. You’ll need to sign in to your VA account before proceeding.

Free Dental Care for Seniors With Limited Financial Resources

With prices rising quickly and many other necessities competing for limited financial resources, some seniors can’t afford to pay anything out of pocket for dental care. If this applies to you, one of the organizations below may be able to help. These organizations provide free dental care to those in need.

Dental Lifeline Network

Dental Lifeline Network offers no-cost dental care to seniors and younger adults with permanent disabilities. You may also be eligible if you’re considered medically fragile. Contact the program in your state to find out more about the eligibility requirements.

State Telephone Number
Alabama (334) 834-1114
Alaska (877) 977-3802
Arizona (480) 850-1474
Arkansas (501) 993-8245
California (530) 241-4222
Colorado Denver Metro: (303) 534-3931

Outside Denver Metro: (303) 534-3863

Connecticut (959) 999-0860
Delaware (855) 293-0119
Florida (850) 577-1466
Georgia (404) 993-4003
Hawaii (888) 449-9670
Idaho (888) 623-2780
Illinois (309) 691-5938
Indiana (317) 733-0585
Iowa (515) 251-8000
Kansas (785) 273-1900
Kentucky (502) 337-5426
Louisiana (225) 926-8062
Maine (207) 620-8276
Maryland (410) 964-1944
Massachusetts (978) 881-8558
Michigan (517) 347-0054
Minnesota (651) 454-6290
Mississippi (601) 932-2200
Missouri (573) 636-4440
Montana (406) 449-9670
Nebraska (855) 293-0119
Nevada (702) 984-9419
New Hampshire (603) 826-6408
New Jersey (973) 967-9171
New Mexico (505) 298-7206 ext. 204
New York (212) 598-9000
North Carolina (919) 677-9001
North Dakota (701) 729-2731
Ohio (614) 379-1115
Oklahoma (918) 742-5544
Oregon (503) 594-0837
Pennsylvania Southeast PA: (724) 568-4343

Other PA regions: (717) 776-3262

Rhode Island (401) 821-8656
South Carolina (888) 322-9527
South Dakota (605) 224-4012
Tennessee (615) 983-2601
Texas (855) 293-0119
Utah (801) 499-6504
Vermont (802) 829-3376
Virginia (804) 523-2182
Washington (206) 441-8777
Washington, D.C. (855) 293-0119
West Virginia (304) 919-1579
Wisconsin (414) 755-4188
Wyoming (855) 582-7896

Free Dental Clinics

If you’re unable to access dental care via the Dental Lifeline Network, use the table below to find a free dental clinic in your state.

State Clinic Name Telephone Number Service Area
Alabama Interfaith Ministries Adult Dental Clinic (256) 237-1472 Calhoun County
Alabama Mercy Medical Clinic (334) 501-1081 Lee County
Alaska Chalkyitsik Village Clinic – Tanana Chiefs Conference (907) 452-8215 Chalkvistsik Area
Alaska Annette Island Service Unit (AISU) Outpatient Medical Clinic (907) 886-4741 Metlakatla, Alaska (Serving American Indians/Alaskan Natives)
Arizona Poore Free Medical Clinic (928) 213-5543 Coconino County
Arizona SVDP Medical and Dental Clinic (602) 266-4673 Phoenix area
Arkansas Community Dental Clinic (479) 253-5547 Crawford and Sebastian Counties
Arkansas Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic (501) 318-1153 Hot Springs area
California Suitcase Clinic/First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley (510) 269-7242 Berkeley area
California MCCN North Hills Clinic (818) 895-3100 San Fernando Valley
Colorado Mission Medical Center (719) 219-3402 Pikes Peak region
Connecticut Goodwin College Dental Clinic (860) 218-1800 East Hartford
Delaware* Westside Family Healthcare – Dover Medical and Dental (302) 678-4622 Dover area
Delaware HJMC – Eastside Medical Center (302) 655-6187 Wilmington area
Florida Flagler County Free Clinic (386) 437-3091 Flagler County
Florida St. Luke’s Free Medical and Dental Clinic (352) 602-4640 Marion, North Seminole, North Orange and Lake Counties
Georgia Athens Nurses Clinic (706) 613-6976 Athens-Clarke County
Georgia The Ben Massell Dental Clinic (404) 881-1858 Butts, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale Counties
Hawaii Aloha Medical Mission Dental Clinic (808) 847-3400 Honolulu area
Hawaii Hawai’i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation – West Hawai’i – Palani Court (808) 331-8177 Kailua, Kona and Hawai’i
Idaho Genesis Community Health – Caldwell Clinic (208) 455-1143 Canyon County
Idaho Pocatello Free Clinic (208) 233-6245 Southeast Idaho
Illinois Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (217) 352-7961 Champaign-Urbana
Illinois Peoria City/County Health Department (309) 679-6000 Peoria City
Indiana Southeast Indiana Health Center (812) 932-4515 Franklin and Ripley Counties
Indiana Trinity Free Clinic (317) 819-0772 Hamilton County
Iowa Community Health Free Clinic (319) 363-0416 Marion County and surrounding areas
Iowa Iowa City Free Medical Clinic (319) 337-4459 Johnson County
Kansas JayDoc Free Clinic (913) 387-1202 Kansas City area
Kentucky Nelson County Community Clinic (502) 349-5990 Nelson County
Kentucky Med Center Health Community Clinic (270) 901-0629 Allen, Butler, Hart, Metcalfe, Simpson, Warren, Barren, Edmonson, Logan and Monroe Counties
Louisiana Community Healthworx (318) 767-9979 Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon and Winn Parishes
Louisiana Calcasieu Community Clinic (337) 478-8650 Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis Parishes
Maine Dental Hygiene Clinic at University of Maine at Bangor (207) 262-7872 Bangor area
Maine The Root Cellar (207) 774-3197 Portland area
Maryland Annapolis Outreach Center (443) 481-3599 Anne Arundel County area
Maryland Frederick County Health Department (301) 676-3188 Frederick area
Massachusetts India Society Worcester Free Health Stop (508) 753-3120 Greater Worcester area
Massachusetts UMass Memorial Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (508) 334-6073 Worcester County
Michigan Barry-Eaton District Health Department – Eaton County Office (517) 543-2430 Eaton County
Michigan Presbyterian Health Clinic of Branch County (517) 278-6068 Branch County
Minnesota HealthFinders Collaborative – Faribault Office (507) 323-8100 Faribault area
Minnesota Sharing & Caring Hands Dental (612) 338-4640 Minneapolis
Mississippi Fellowship Health Clinic (601) 255-5077 Lamar County, Forest County and Hattiesburg area
Mississippi Jackson Free Clinic (601) 355-5161 Jackson Metro
Missouri Medical Missions for Christ Clinic (573) 346-7777 Miller, Camden and Morgan Counties
Missouri Hannibal Free Clinic (573) 248-8307 Northeast Missouri
Montana Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic (406) 260-3502 Whitefish area
Nebraska People’s City Mission Free Clinic (402) 817-0980 Lincoln and Lancaster Counties
Nevada Ronald McDonald Care Mobile – Elko County (775) 738-1553 Elko County and surrounding areas
Nevada Fallon Tribal Health Clinic – Shoshone Tribe (775) 423-3634 Fallon area (Serving members of federally recognized tribes)
New Hampshire* Coos County Family Health Services – Dental (603) 752-2424 Coos County
New Hampshire Goodwin Community Health (603) 749-2346 Strafford County
New Jersey* Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers – Atlantic City Center (609) 572-0000 South Jersey area
New Jersey Neighborhood Health Center Elizabeth (908) 355-4459 Elizabeth area
New Mexico Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (505) 242-4644 Albuquerque area
New Mexico Villa Therese Catholic Clinic (505) 983-8561 Santa Fe area
New York SUNY Erie Student Dental Hygiene Clinic (716) 851-1336 Buffalo
New York New Life Community Health Center (718) 565-9844 Queens area
North Carolina Hope Clinic (252) 745-5760 Beaufort, Craven and Pamlico Counties (Serving adults between the ages of 18 and 64)
North Carolina Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic (828) 743-3393 Transylvania, Macon, Jackson and Swain Counties
North Dakota Third Street Clinic (701) 772-1263 Greater Grand Forks
North Dakota Family HealthCare Center (701) 551-2449 Fargo
Ohio Open M Free Clinic (330) 434-0110 Greater Akron
Ohio Good Samaritan Free Health Center (513) 246-6888 Hamilton County
Oklahoma Crossings Community Clinic (405) 749-0800 Oklahoma County
Oklahoma Lighthouse Medical Ministries (405) 602-6371 Oklahoma City area
Oregon Caring Hands Free Dental Services (541) 937-2786 Lowell area
Oregon Portland Community College Dental Clinic (971) 722-4909 Portland area
Pennsylvania Focus Pittsburgh Free Health Center (866) 267-3083 Pittsburgh area
Pennsylvania Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic (215) 345-2260 Bucks County
Rhode Island Rhode Island Free Clinic (401) 274-6347 Rhode Island
South Carolina Anderson Free Clinic (864) 226-1294 Anderson County
South Carolina Mercy Medicine Free Clinic (843) 667-9947 Marion, Williamsburg and Florence Counties
South Dakota* South Dakota Department of Health (605) 773-3361 Offices throughout South Dakota; contact SDDOH for information on your local clinic
South Dakota Faith Community Health Center & Faith Dental Clinic (605) 967-2644 Faith area
Tennessee The Free Medical Clinic (865) 483-3904 Roane, Anderson and Morgan Counties
Tennessee Smiles Dental Clinic (423) 228-3077 South Pittsburg
Texas San Jose Clinic (713) 228-9411 Houston area
Texas The Interfaith Community Clinic (281) 364-7889 Oak Ridge area
Utah The Doctors Volunteer Clinic – St. George (435) 656-0022 St. George area
Utah Salt Lake Donated Dental Services (801) 972-2747 Salt Lake City area
Vermont Vermont Health Department (802) 863-7200 Offices in multiple counties; contact VTDOH for information on your local clinic
Vermont Rutland Free Clinic (802) 775-1360 Rutland area
Virginia The CornerStone Free Health Clinic (804) 769-2996 King & Queen, Essex and King Counties
Virginia Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic (540) 741-1061 Fredericksburg; King George, Caroline, Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties
Washington King County Project Access (206) 788-4204 Kitsap, King and Snohomish Counties
Washington Swedish Community Specialty Clinic (206) 860-6656 Seattle area
West Virginia West Virginia Health Right – Covenant House Clinic (304) 414-5949 Charleston area
West Virginia Ebenezer Medical Outreach (304) 523-0753 Huntington
Wisconsin InHealth Community Wellness Clinic (608) 375-4324 Crawford and Grant Counties
Wisconsin Open Door Clinic (715) 720-1443 Chippewa County
Wyoming* Community Health Centers of Central Wyoming – Casper (307) 233-6000 Central Wyoming
Wyoming Cheyenne Health and Wellness Center (307) 635-3618 Laramie County

* Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Dakota and Wyoming don’t have any free clinics other than Dental Lifeline Network. The clinics listed set their fees based on a sliding scale, meaning they adjust their fees based on your income.