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Dental Care Guide for Seniors

Updates: December 4, 2023

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Your teeth do much 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.  Healthy gums and teeth are also critical to your overall wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to an increased risk of endocarditis, respiratory infections and pneumonia and oral issues can lead to complications for those with other diseases, such as making blood sugar harder to regulate for those with diabetes. Significant tooth loss in seniors may even result in reduced life expectancy.

Unfortunately, changes associated with aging make seniors more susceptible to oral health problems. Making things even worse, seniors on a fixed income may be unable to afford the dental care needed to prevent or address these problems. Data collected in 2019 revealed that almost half of all seniors had no dental insurance, indicating many seniors put off treatment because they lack a form of financial assistance. Further, a significant number of seniors admit that cost continues to be a barrier, whether or not they have insurance. One in five seniors, regardless of insurance status, revealed they delayed visiting a dentist for up to two years to avoid the resulting costs.

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 become serious ones.

 

Senior Dental Health

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: Many seniors find that their health insurance doesn’t cover most dental problems. Medicare will cover minimal types of dental care, such as care received in the hospital, and a majority of state Medicaid programs fail to include comprehensive dental services among their benefits. As a consequence, 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. Unfortunately, as many as 20% of Americans are afraid to visit the dentist due to worries about treatments they will need, embarrassment over the state of their mouth and teeth, and other concerns.
  • 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 University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry 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, such as medications for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and blood pressure problems. 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
  • Cells sustain damage over time
  • HPV, tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and excessive sun exposure to lips 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 develop dry mouth, a contributor to gum disease
Tooth Loss
  • One or more teeth fall out of the mouth
  • Strongly associated with gum disease and trauma
  • Poor oral hygiene, hormone changes, medications, dry mouth, and tobacco use are risk factors.
  • 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 often take  medications and these may have dry mouth as a side effect
  • 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 gums and bone
  • Tooth may move back and forth when brushing or chewing
  • Your gums may recede, swell, and bleed
Persistent bad breath
Tooth pain
  • Pain in and around tooth that can be severe
  • 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
  • Can cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort around the gum line
  • 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

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

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 Medicaid plans aren’t required to include dental coverage for adults, many states cover at least emergency dental services. However, the Medicaid plans for more than half of states lack comprehensive dental care coverage.

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 cover most dental care or procedures, 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 through the Social Security Administration website. 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
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry Birmingham, Alabama (205) 934-2700
A.T. Still University-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 (916) 686-8914
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 Davie, 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 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 or (504) 619-8700
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 Boston, Massachusetts (617) 432-1434 option #1
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) 984-6155 or (601) 984-6340
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 College 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 at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry Chapel Hill, North Carolina (919) 537-3737
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine Cleveland, Ohio (216) 368-8730
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry Columbus, Ohio (614) 688-3763
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Fill out a Prospective Patient Information Form
Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry Portland, Oregon (503) 494-8867
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental MedicineRobert Schattner Center 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 James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine Charleston, South Carolina (843) 876-7645
Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry Nashville, Tennessee (615) 327-6669
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Memphis, Tennessee (901) 448-6468
Texas A&M University School of Dentistry Dallas, Texas (214) 828-8441
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso-Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine 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 Health 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) 616-6996
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 receive compensation for a dental condition that’s classified as service-connected 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 era and veterans who are enrolled in the Homeless Veterans Dental Program. Veterans with service-connected dental conditions that don’t qualify for disability payments, have a different condition made worse or harder to treat by a dental condition, or who are enrolled in the Readiness and Employment program may also qualify for certain VA dental benefits.

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 over 65, those with permanent disabilities and/or those who need dental care that’s medically necessary. Some states also have veteran-specific programs. Contact a program representative in your state to find out more about the eligibility requirements.

State Clinic Name Telephone Number Service Area
Alabama Interfaith Ministries Adult Dental Clinic (256) 237-1472 Calhoun County
Alabama Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic (334) 501-1081 Lee County
Alaska Chalkyitsik Health Clinic – Tanana Chiefs Conference (907) 848-8215 Chalkyitsik Area
Alaska Annette Island Service Unit (AISU) Outpatient Medical Clinic (907) 886-4741 Metlakatla, Alaska (Serving American Indians/Alaskan Natives)
Arizona Poore Medical Clinic (928) 213-5543 Coconino County
Arizona iSmile Dentistry-Tucson (East) (520) 514-7400 Tucson area (free for veterans only)
Arkansas Community Dental Clinic (479) 782-6021 Crawford and Sebastian Counties
Arkansas Samaritan Dental (479) 636-0451 Northwest Arkansas
California Berkeley Free Clinic (510) 548-2745 Berkeley area
California Healing California Pop-up Clinics (626) 537-1778 Statewide with upcoming clinics posted online
Colorado Mission Medical Center (719) 219-3402 Pikes Peak region
Connecticut Goodwin University Dental Hygiene Clinic (860) 218-1800 Greater Hartford area
Delaware* Westside Family Healthcare – Dover Dental Office (302) 678-4622 Dover area
Delaware* HJMC – Southbridge (302) 655-6187 Wilmington area
Florida Flagler County Free Clinic (386) 437-3091 Flagler and Volusia Counties
Florida St. Luke Medical and Dental Clinic (352) 602-4640 Marion, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties
Georgia Athens Nurses Clinic (706) 613-6976 Athens-Clarke County and surrounding area
Georgia The Ben Massell Dental Clinic (404) 881-1858 Metro Atlanta area
Hawaii Aloha Medical Mission Dental Clinic (808) 847-3400 Honolulu area
Hawaii University of Hawai’i Maui College-Daniel K. Inouye Allied Health Center (808) 984-3772 Kahului area
Idaho Genesis Community Health – Caldwell Clinic (208) 455-1143 Canyon County
Idaho Pocatello Free Clinic (208) 233-6245 Southeast Idaho
Illinois Community Health Care Clinic (309) 888-5531 McLean County
Illinois AspenDental TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence (866) 824-6223 The West Loop and surrounding areas
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 Linn County and surrounding areas
Iowa Iowa City Free Medical Clinic/Parrott – Stiles Free Dental 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 Louisville Dental Society Free Dental Clinic (502) 384-8444 Louisville area
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 Patient Services and Dental Clinic at University of Maine at Bangor (207) 262-7872 Bangor area (free services for veterans only)
Maine Mainely Teeth at The Root Cellar (207) 808-9498 Portland area
Maryland Mission of Mercy Mobile Dental Clinic 410-390-1314 Brunswick, Taneytown, Frederick, and Reisterstown
Maryland Health Care for the Homeless – Downtown Baltimore City Medical and Dental Clinic 410-837-5533 Downtown Baltimore
Massachusetts India Society Worcester Free Health Stop [email protected] Greater Worcester
Massachusetts The Quinsigamond Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic (508) 854-4306 Worcester and surrounding region
Michigan CareFree Dental of Dickinson and Florence Counties Request appointments by sending a message to the clinic’s Facebook page Dickinson and Florence Counties
Michigan Presbyterian Health Clinic of Branch County (517) 278-6068 Branch County
Minnesota Hope Dental Clinic (651) 789-7605 No geographical boundaries for care
Minnesota Sharing & Caring Hands Dental Clinic (612) 338-4640 Minneapolis
Mississippi Fellowship Health Clinic (601) 255-5077 Lamar and Forrest Counties
Mississippi Jackson Free Clinic (601) 355-5161 Jackson Metro
Missouri Medical Missions for Christ Clinic (573) 346-7777 Greater Lake of the Ozarks area
Missouri Hannibal Free Clinic (573) 248-8307 Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, and Shelby Counties
Montana Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic (406) 260-3502 Flathead Valley
Nebraska People’s City Mission Free Clinic (402) 817-0980 Lancaster County
Nevada Truckee Meadows Community College Dandini Campus Adopt a Vet Dental Clinic  (775) 673-7871 Northern Nevada
Nevada UNLV School of Dental Medicine Outreach Clinics (702) 895-3011 Las Vegas area
New Hampshire* Coos County Family Health Services – Dental (603) 752-2424 Coos County
New Hampshire Harbor Care Dental Clinic (603) 821-7788 Nashua area
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) 766-5197 Albuquerque area
New Mexico Villa Therese Catholic Clinic (505) 983-8561 Santa Fe area
New York SUNY Erie Dental Hygiene Clinic (716) 851-1336 Williamsville area
New York Care for the Homeless Medical and Dental Clinic at POTS (347) 269-4706 The Bronx
North Carolina Missions of Mercy Portable Dental Clinics (919) 234-4027 Statewide (upcoming clinics are posed online)
North Carolina

 

North Carolina

Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic

 

Student Health Action Coalition

(828) 743-3393

(984) 999-1654

Transylvania, Macon, Jackson and Swain Counties

Chapel Hill and surrounding community

North Dakota Indian Health Services Standing Rock Service Unit (701) 854-8220 Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Fort Yates (Serving Native Americans and Alaska Natives)
North Dakota Family HealthCare Center Homeless Health Clinic (701) 551-2449 Fargo
Ohio Open M Health Services-Harry and Fran Donovan Dental Clinic (330) 434-0110 ext.413 Greater Akron Area and Summit County
Ohio Good Samaritan Free Health Center (513) 569-1900 Hamilton County
Oklahoma Crossings Community Clinic (405) 749-0800 Oklahoma County (Serving individuals ages 18 to 64)
Oklahoma Lighthouse Medical Clinic (405) 202-8162 Oklahoma City area
Oregon Caring Hands Worldwide Northwest Dental Clinics email [email protected] Statewide with upcoming locations posted online
Oregon Portland Community College Dental Clinic (971) 722-4909 Portland area (free exams and sealants only)
Pennsylvania Water Street Health Services Free Dental Clinic (717) 358-2017 Lancaster County
Pennsylvania

 

Pennsylvania

Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic

 

Mission of Mercy Mobile Dental Clinic

(215) 345-2260

 

(410) 390-1314

Bucks County

 

Harrisburg and Gettysburg

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 St. Francis Mission Among the Lakota Free Dental Clinic (605) 747-2142 or (605) 319-1275 Lakota tribal members on the Rosebud Reservation
South Dakota Indian Health Services Rapid City Service Unit (605) 719-4001 Serves Native Americans and Alaskan Natives who qualify in Rapid City
Tennessee The Free Medical Clinic (865) 483-3904 Roane, Anderson and Morgan Counties
Tennessee Smiles Dental Clinic (423) 228-3077 South Pittsburg and surrounding areas
Texas Body of Christ Community Dental Clinic (254) 613-5052 East Bell County
Texas HOPE Medical-Dental Clinic (817) 641-5858 Johnson and Hill Counties
Utah iSmile Dentistry – Salt Lake City, Utah  (801) 355-2202 Salt Lake City area (free dental care for veterans)
Utah Salt Lake Donated Dental Services (801) 972-2747 Salt Lake City area
Vermont Vermont’s Free and Referral Clinics (VFRC) (802) 448-4280 Offices in nine counties; contact VFRC for information on your local clinic
Virginia The CornerStone Free Health Clinic (804) 769-2996 King & Queen, Essex, Richmond and King William Counties
Virginia Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic (540) 582-1061 Fredericksburg; King George, Caroline, Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties
Washington Project Access Northwest (206) 788-4204 or (360) 917-0018 Kitsap, King and Snohomish Counties
Washington King County Mobile Medical Care (206) 482-3073 or (206) 482-3075 King County
West Virginia West Virginia Health Right – Mobile Dental Clinic (304) 414-5944 McDowell, Boone, Logal, Clay, Roane Counties (veterans may qualify for additional care)
West Virginia Ebenezer Medical Outreach Free Clinic (304) 529-0753 Huntington and surrounding areas
Wisconsin InHealth Community Wellness Clinic (608) 375-4324 Crawford and Grant Counties
Wisconsin The Open Door Clinic  (715) 720-1443 Chippewa County
Wyoming* Community Health Center of Central Wyoming – Dental Clinic (307) 233-6049 Fremont and Natrona County
Wyoming HealthWorks (307) 635-3618 Laramie County

* Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey 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. Residents in states without additional free clinics can also check if there is an upcoming pop-up clinic coming to their area. Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps operates clinics that take place across the United States and has an upcoming clinic schedule posted on its website.