Dental Grants Kansas: Dental care is extremely important for overall health and well-being. However, dental work can be very expensive, putting it out of reach for many people. Fortunately, there are organizations in Kansas that offer dental grants and financial assistance programs to help cover costs like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, braces, and more. If you are a Kansas resident in need of help affording dental treatment, this guide covers available options for dental grants and financial aid in Kansas for 2023.
Overview of Dental Grants in Kansas
Dental grants are funds awarded by government agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations to help people access affordable dental care. These grants do not need to be repaid like loans. There are several types of dental grants available in Kansas:
- State and federal government grants– Kansas Medicaid provides dental coverage for children and some adults. Grant programs through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) also help fund low-cost dental clinics.
- Nonprofit organization grants– Groups like the Dental Lifeline Network and Mission of Mercy offer grants and financial aid for dental procedures to qualifying applicants.
- Needs-based assistance– Some dentists provide pro bono or reduced-fee care for patients with financial limitations. Dental schools with training clinics often provide discounted services as well.
- Corporate giving programs– Major companies like Crest and Colgate support dental health charities and programs to improve access to care.
Applicants for dental grants in Kansas will need to provide documentation of financial need, cost estimates for treatment, and possibly proof of state residency or other eligibility criteria depending on the program. Understanding all the options available can help you find assistance with different dental costs.
Dental Grants for Adults in Kansas
Finding affordable dental care can be difficult for adults without dental insurance in Kansas. Thankfully, several organizations provide grants and financial assistance for adults needing help with the costs of dental treatment:
Kansas Medicaid
Kansas Medicaid provides dental coverage for qualifying adults. To be eligible you must be a Kansas resident and meet income limits. For 2023, the income limit for adults is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Medicaid will cover services like cleanings, x-rays, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, and more with little to no out-of-pocket costs. Applying for Kansas Medicaid dental benefits can be done online or at your local DCF office.
Dental Lifeline Network
The Dental Lifeline Network provides dental care grants to people with permanent disabilities, the elderly, or those who are medically fragile. Qualified applicants are matched with volunteer dentists in the state who donate their services. A range of procedures like cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, and root canals can be provided with grants from this program. You will need to complete an application and provide documentation of your disability / medical status.
Mission of Mercy Mobile Dental Clinics
The Kansas Mission of Mercy project provides free mobile dental services around the state for uninsured, low-income adults through grants and donations. Their mobile clinics offer free cleanings, fillings, and extractions on a first-come, first-served basis. The clinics operate in different Kansas communities – check their online event calendar to find dates and locations near you. No appointments or ID is required.
Community Health Centers
Federally qualified health centers and community clinics in Kansas often provide adult dental care on an income-based sliding fee scale. This means your out-of-pocket cost is discounted based on your income and family size. The fees are generally much lower than private dentists. Search for community health centers in your county or city to find affordable dental options.
Dental Schools
The University of Missouri – Kansas City Dental School and Wichita State University Dental Hygiene School offer reduced-cost dental services while training students. Procedures are supervised by licensed professors and dentists. Applying to be a patient at their on-campus clinics can help you save money on cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and more.
Donated Dental Services Kansas
Kansas donated dental services: Some dentists in Kansas donate their services to help low-income, disabled, elderly, or medically high-risk adults through programs like Dentistry From The Heart. You may be able to find occasional free dental care events in your area this way. Check online and ask local dentists about any pro bono programs they participate in.
Prioritizing your dental health is important, even if you are struggling financially. Make sure to explore all these options to find dental grants and affordable care programs that can help you take care of your teeth and gums. Call ahead to ask clinics about current grant availability and application requirements.
Dental Grants for Seniors in Kansas
Seniors face increased risk for dental health problems but often live on fixed incomes making dental care expensive. Fortunately, there are several options for financial assistance with dental costs for Kansas seniors:
Dental Lifeline Network
Low-income Kansas seniors who are medically fragile or permanently disabled can qualify for dental care grants from the Dental Lifeline Network as described above. Volunteer dentists provide free treatment ranging from basic cleanings to dentures. Apply through their website or call to ask about grants.
Kansas Medicaid
Kansas Medicaid offers dental coverage for seniors over 65 who meet income limits. Benefits include cleanings, x-rays, fillings, tooth extractions, complete and partial dentures, and more. Apply for Kansas Medicaid online or through your local DCF Service Center.
Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) Grants
The HRSA provides grants to community health centers and clinics offering reduced-cost dental care. Several of these facilities accept Medicaid and offer senior discounts. Contact clinics in your area to ask about senior dental grants and sliding fee scales.
Area Agencies on Aging
Local Area Agencies on Aging that coordinate senior services and nutrition programs may know of dental grant opportunities and clinics offering financial assistance for seniors. Call to inquire about current senior dental aid programs in your community.
Dental Schools
The University of Missouri Kansas City and Wichita State University dental schools provide reduced-cost dental services while students receive supervised training. Seniors can apply to receive discounted cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and dentures.
Dental Provider Discounts
Many dentists offer senior citizen discounts of 10% or more, especially for services covered by Medicare like cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and dentures. Check with providers in your area to ask about senior discounts.
CareCredit Financing
If you cannot afford dental costs upfront, financing options like the CareCredit healthcare credit card can help you pay for immediate treatment and pay off the costs slowly over time. Some dental providers accept CareCredit.
Finding affordable dental care is important for maintaining your oral and overall health as you age. Use these resources and programs above to reduce the costs of essential dental services.
Dental Grants for Children and Teens in Kansas
Ensuring children and teens have access to dental care means they develop healthy lifelong oral hygiene habits. These options help Kansas families afford dental services for kids when facing financial limitations:
Kansas Medicaid and CHIP
Kansas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide free dental coverage for children and teens from low-income families. Benefits include cleanings, x-rays, sealants, fluoride treatments, fillings, tooth extraction, and more. Apply online through the Kansas Medical Assistance Program.
KAN Be Healthy Program
Uninsured Kansas children up to age 18 may qualify to receive free dental check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and more through the KAN Be Healthy program. Apply online or print an application form. Approved children are assigned a dentist participating in the program.
School Sealant Programs
Many Kansas schools offer free dental sealant programs administered at school by hygienists and nurses. Getting sealants protects teeth from cavities. Contact your local school district administration offices for details on sealants.
Give Kids a Smile Events
The Kansas Dental Association sponsors free dental care events for children through the Give Kids a Smile program. Events provide free screenings, cleanings, x-rays, preventative sealants, fluoride treatments, and more. Search online for upcoming events in your community.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Community clinics and public health centers serving low-income populations often provide pediatric dental services, frequently on a sliding fee scale based on income. Clinics also accept Kansas Medicaid for children’s dental.
Dental Schools
The pediatric dental clinics at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry and Wichita State University provide dental care for kids at discounted rates. applying as patients there can reduce costs for services.
SMILE Grants
Some dentists offer SMILE Grants or other programs providing free or low-cost dental care to children in need who are uninsured or underinsured. Search online or contact dental providers about smile grant availability.
Ensuring your kids have access to preventative dental care and establish good hygiene habits early on is very important for their health and development. These programs and grants above can help Kansas families access affordable dental services.
Dental Implant Grants in Kansas
Dental implants to replace missing teeth can greatly improve your smile, confidence, and ability to chew. However, implants are an expensive treatment running $500 to $3000 or more per tooth. Here are some options to find grants and financial aid for dental implants in Kansas if you cannot afford the full costs:
CareCredit Financing
CareCredit offers special long-term financing for extensive dental procedures like implants, allowing you to get the treatment completed and then pay off the costs slowly over 12, 18, or 24 months. Many Kansas dentists accept CareCredit, but be sure to understand payment terms and interest rates fully before applying.
Dental Schools
The University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry and Wichita State University Advanced Education in General Dentistry program offers reduced-cost dental implants for patients needing financial assistance. Students perform the procedures under experienced faculty supervision.
Dental Implant Payment Plans
Many dental implant providers offer in-house payment plans allowing you to pay the total costs off over a year or longer. The payments are often interest-free or low-interest. Discuss payment plan options with your dentist.
Dental Tourism for Implants
Traveling to another country for lower-cost dental implants is an option. Costs in places like Mexico can be 50-75% less than U.S. prices. But be sure to thoroughly research clinics, and get price quotes and care details in writing first. Travel and lodging eat into the savings.
Dental Implant Grants
National charities like the International College of Dentists Dental Implant Grant Program, and local community foundations provide some dental implant grants for low-income patients. These sources are limited but can occasionally provide $500 to $1500 grants depending on funding availability.
Negotiate Costs
Talk to your dentist about ways to reduce the costs of your dental implant procedure. Ask about discounts for paying upfront in cash, using previous denture molds, or combining treatment with a dental school. Get quotes from multiple providers.
While options for dental implant grants in Kansas are limited, using the combination of resources above can help you find an affordable way to get implants. Start planning with your dentist early on to identify the most cost-effective treatment process.
Dental Grants for Braces in Kansas
Correcting crooked teeth or misalignment with braces can prevent dental health problems. But orthodontic work is not cheap, typically running $3,000 – $7,000 for traditional metal braces. If you are unable to shoulder those costs, here are some options to find financial help for braces in Kansas:
Medicaid Orthodontic Coverage
Kansas Medicaid covers braces for children who have a severe handicapping malocclusion or another condition creating disability. Your child’s dentist must demonstrate medical necessity. Requests require approval on a case-by-case basis. Talk to your child’s Medicaid dentist.
Dental Schools
Dental students at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and Wichita State University need patients to practice orthodontic techniques overseen by professors. Accepting patients for low-cost braces at their teaching clinics can reduce your costs.
Orthodontic Payment Plans
Many orthodontists offer extended in-house payment plans for braces so costs can be spread out over several years through monthly payments. Ask orthodontists about payment plan options – some don’t charge interest.
Orthodontic Scholarships
Organizations like Smiles Change Lives offer orthodontic scholarships for children from low-income families. Scholarships provide free braces through orthodontists participating in the program. Check eligibility requirements on their website.
CareCredit Financing
The CareCredit healthcare credit card offers long-term financing plans for orthodontic work charges if paid through their card over 12, 18, or 24 months. Apply for CareCredit through your dental provider.
Dental Insurance
Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. Evaluate plans with 50% or higher orthodontic coverage. Even reimbursing just 30% of the total cost can add savings.
Negotiated Discounts
Talk with orthodontists and dental schools to see if they offer any discounts for paying the full amount upfront in cash or if other reductions might be available. Compare total estimated costs at multiple providers.
While options are limited, exploring every avenue can potentially help you find grants or affordable financing for braces in Kansas. Make sure to also discuss payment arrangements with your orthodontist.
Grants for Dental Care for Veterans in Kansas
Veterans face many barriers to accessing dental care, including lack of insurance, high costs, and service-related conditions requiring treatment. Here are some options for financial assistance for veterans needing dental work in Kansas:
Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program
The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers eligible veterans and families affordable dental insurance plans, including coverage for some cosmetic and implant services. Maximum yearly benefits range from $1,000 – $3,500 depending on the plan selected.
VA Dental Services
The VA hospital system provides basic dental care to veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled, former POWs, and certain other veteran patient groups. Treatment like cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures are available either at VA clinics or through approved private dentists.
Volunteers of America Dental Programs
The Volunteers of America pledge to help veterans in need through a network of mobile dental clinics and partnerships with dentists providing free or discounted dental care to veterans lacking coverage. Search their website for programs in your area of Kansas.
Aspen Dental Healthy Mouth Movement
Uninsured veterans can apply for discounted dental care through Aspen Dental’s Healthy Mouth Movement, which partners with dentists providing veterans $50 exams and x-rays, free cleanings, and discounts on needed work. Submit the online application to see if you qualify.
Dental Lifeline Network
Low-income and disabled veterans unable to afford needed dental care may qualify for free treatment through the Dental Lifeline Network’s donor dentist network. Apply through their website to be matched with a volunteer dentist providing donated services.
Kansas Community Organizations
Many local organizations and charities raise money to help veterans access emergency dental treatment when uninsured and underserved. Search online or call 2-1-1 for groups assisting vets with dental needs in your Kansas location.
Veterans have sacrificed much for our country. Thankfully resources and nonprofits are working to ensure they can access dental care. Reach out to use these options above if you are a veteran needing financial assistance for dental costs.
How to Find Additional Dental Grants in Kansas
Searching widely for financial assistance programs is important when trying to afford major dental costs without insurance in Kansas. Here are some other avenues to check for dental grants and aid:
- Search Patient Resources on Company Websites: Dental manufacturers like Colgate, Crest, Oral-B, and more have resources and grant programs for the uninsured listed under the Patient or Philanthropy sections of their websites. Explore all major dental brands for options.
- Inquire with Large Hospital Networks: Many large Kansas hospital systems and universities offer financial assistance and charity care programs that can help cover the costs of services provided through their affiliated clinics, sometimes including dental clinics.
- Research Local Organization Fundraisers: Some Kansas churches, schools, and community groups hold fundraisers and events where proceeds are donated to help members afford dental treatment costs. Reach out for help.
- Apply for Medical Crowdfunding Grants: Crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe and FundRazr let you share your story and need for dental assistance which donors can contribute to. Some sites offer matching grants to grow fundraising amounts. Read the sites’ medical rules first.
- Seek Corporate Donation Programs: Many large corporations have healthcare assistance funds or employee programs that provide grants to cover essential medical treatments (sometimes including dental) for community members with financial limitations.
- Check With Your Chamber of Commerce: Local Kansas chambers of commerce may maintain lists of clinics, nonprofits, and other programs offering financial assistance for medical and dental services in your area. Call to inquire.
- Contact Foundations Supporting Dental Access: The Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, Americares, and DentaQuest foundations all provide some grants and funding to support uninsured individuals accessing dental services.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to as many providers, charities, organizations, and community resources as possible when searching for dental grants and financial aid in Kansas. There are options available if you expand your search widely and ask for help.
FAQs About Dental Grants in Kansas
Are there government programs that help pay for dental work?
Yes, the major government program providing dental coverage is Kansas Medicaid. Medicaid offers dental benefits for qualifying children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities in the state. Kansas Medicaid will pay for services like exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, dentures and more.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) also provides grants to support free and affordable dental clinics serving low-income populations. Clinics receiving federal grants offer discounted dental services based on income.
Where can I find low-cost or free dental clinics in Kansas?
Great options for finding reduced or no-cost dental care include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Kansas dental schools with training clinics, and free mobile.
Faizan Ahmad is a passionate medical writer and health enthusiast. He joined Quick Medico in 2023 as a place to provide reliable information and resources about health, diseases, and wellness topics.
Now as the editor-in-chief of Quick Medico, Faizan leads a team of experienced medical writers and health professionals. His goal is to make complex health topics easy to understand and provide readers with practical information to improve their health and well-being.
Outside of work, Faizan enjoys being in nature, reading non-fiction books, and spending time with friends and family. He brings his natural curiosity and passion for lifelong learning to every article he writes or edits for Quick Medico. Faizan lives in Islamabad, Pakistan, and looks forward to continuing to grow Quick Medico into a leading health information site that empowers readers to take control of their health.