What is a free dental clinic?

Free or low-cost dental clinics typically operate on a volunteer basis, with dentists and hygienists volunteering some of their free time outside of their usual work hours. Some of these dental clinics are free and some offer discounted dental care, typically based on a patient’s income, age or other factors. Most low-cost or free dental clinics provide preventive care like checkups and cleanings, and many also offer more significant help with treatments like root canals or dentures. The free and low-cost health clinics operate in a similar manner.

Things to keep in mind as you search:

• Not every dental clinic in the listing is free. Some are discounted, and some operate on a donation basis.
• Double-check that you meet the qualifications for receiving treatment.

Quick facts about the need for more affordable dental care:

• A 2009 report announced that the U.S. spent approximately $282 million on health care every hour (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).
• Almost 35% of Americans have neglected going to the dentist for the entire past year (Gallup-Healthways poll)
• Tooth decay affects between 60 to 90% of teenagers and adults (World Health Organization)
• More than 108 million Americans lack dental insurance. This is more than 2.5 times the number of Americans who don’t have medical insurance (Oral Health Update in America: A Report of the Surgeon General)
• Almost 75% of American adults have some form of gum disease and are not even aware of it (American Dental Hygienist Association)

If you can’t find a free dental clinic or health clinic near you, try these other resources:

• Your local county Health Department
• Religious organizations
• Dentist/hygienist organizations

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