Learn about free or low-cost dental care programs
This page shares resources and general information, not medical or dental advice; for questions about your teeth or your health, talk to a dentist or doctor. Program details and schedules change, so confirm with each program before you go or apply.
- NOTE: Most communities have at least one of the options on this page. If the first one you try is full or closed, try the next; the programs below exist for different situations, and more than one of them may fit yours.
Start with your situation
If you are in pain, an emergency situation or have an infection or a broken tooth, start with the guide to accessing emergency dental care with no money to find resources for care - which is in addition to doing what may be medically necessary as we do not provide medical advice. The page covers where to be seen the same day and your rights at a hospital emergency room.
If you have Medicaid, dentists near where you live may accept it, and your child's dental care is covered in every state. Note your state may call the program another name. See this sites page on what Medicaid covers for dental and how to find a dentist who takes it. Children can also be covered through CHIP, explained at the NHPB CHIP page.
If you are a senior on Medicare, know that Original Medicare does not pay for most dental care, but seniors have other routes, including Medicare Advantage dental benefits, Medicaid, PACE, and a volunteer program built for people 65 and older. The guide is at how seniors on Medicare may get free dental.
If you have no insurance and little money, there is an order of steps that costs the least, starting with coverage you may qualify for and never applied for. Learn the steps to take to see a dentist when you have no money.
If you need dentures, Medicaid pays for them in some states, and the state-by-state guide to free dentures covers the details. If you are hoping for free dental implants, be careful with what you read online; truly free implants are rare, and the honest guide to what exists is at free and low-cost dental implants - real programs that may help.
If your child needs dental care or you want to keep a child's teeth healthy and up with oral hygiene, see the guide to children's specific dental programs.
If you are a veteran or an American Indian or Alaska Native, the government runs dental clinics for you with some charities also an option. There are eligibility rules worth reading first. Both programs are covered in the dental clinic guide.
If your problem is a dental bill you already owe, the guide to lowering it, payment plans, and charity help is at where to get help with dental bills.
Free dental events: real treatment, no questions about income
A couple times a year or so in most states, volunteer dentists set up a large free clinic for a weekend and treat everyone they can. Mission of Mercy events work this way. They provide cleanings, fillings, and extractions at no cost, first come, first served, and they publish their dates and cities in advance. America's Dentists Care Foundation supplies the equipment for these events and keeps the national schedule at https://adcf.net/clinic-schedule/.
- TIP: Arrive as early as you can, because lines form before the doors open.
Remote Area Medical runs free pop-up clinics the same way, covering dental, vision, and medical care. You do not need an ID, insurance, or proof of income, and anyone can attend, including children with a parent. Care is first come, first served, doors open at 6 in the morning, and many people arrive the night before. Because of time limits, you will usually choose between dental and vision care for the day. The clinic map and calendar is at https://www.ramusa.org/schedule/.
Volunteer dentists year round: Donated Dental Services
The Dental Lifeline Network runs Donated Dental Services, a national program where volunteer dentists provide complete dental treatment at no cost. It serves people who are 65 or older, permanently disabled, or who need dental care for a medical reason, and who cannot afford it.
Know the limits before you apply. You must use up any dental insurance or Medicaid benefits first, the program does not handle emergencies or cosmetic work, you can go through it once, and the waitlist runs from several months to more than a year depending on where you live; some counties are closed to new applications. If it fits you, apply at https://dentallifeline.org/help/ or call 303-534-5360.
Clinics that charge based on your income
Community health centers (commonly called clinics) receive federal money to treat people whether or not they can pay, and the fee is based on your income, so it can be very low if you have little or nothing coming in. Or if you have no insurance the fees may also be very low or waived. Many of the centers have dental clinics.
Find the closest one to where you are with the official locator at https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. To better understand what may be covered and how these clinics work, see the NHPB guide to free charity clinics and the government-run options.
Dental schools
Dental schools treat the public at a fraction of private prices, because supervised students provide the care. Appointments often take longer or are limited in scope, the work is checked by licensed dentists, and some programs offer free care to people who meet certain conditions. The full guide is at the dental school - college clinic page.
Community feedback - suggestions or ask for help
Anyone looking for affordable dental care can use the free, moderated NHPB community forum covering free or low-cost dental care to find resources and share experiences. Members discuss local clinics, government aid programs, and charitable options, while also posting tips on how they managed costs or got help approved. It’s a place to ask questions, compare notes, and connect with people who’ve faced similar challenges in accessing dental care.
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