The Patterson Foundation is once again offering its popular cosmetic dental grant program in 2024. This highly competitive grant provides funding for cosmetic dental procedures for people who cannot otherwise afford them. With up to $30,000 available per patient, the Patterson grant covers a wide range of cosmetic treatments to help people gain confidence and improve their lives through their smiles.
Overview of the Patterson Foundation Cosmetic Dental Grant
The Patterson Foundation Cosmetic Dental Grant was established in 2015 by the philanthropists James and Susan Patterson. The program is designed to help improve the appearance, self-confidence, and oral health of individuals who have cosmetic dental needs but lack the financial means to pay for treatment.
Some of the key features of the grant include:
- Up to $30,000 is available per patient for cosmetic dental work
- Covers a wide range of procedures including veneers, implants, bridges, crowns, and teeth whitening
- Open to U.S. and Canadian citizens of any age
- Applications are accepted from January 1st to March 31st each year
- Patients selected by an advisory board of cosmetic dentists
Since its inception, the grant has helped transform the smiles and lives of over 500 individuals across North America through more than $12 million in funding.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The Patterson Cosmetic Dental Grant is open to U.S. and Canadian citizens of any age who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have significant cosmetic dental needs that impact appearance, self-esteem, or oral health
- Lack the financial means to pay for treatment on their own
- Have not received prior cosmetic dental grants or assistance
- Are motivated to maintain excellent oral hygiene if treatment is provided
Applicants should be prepared to explain their specific cosmetic dental needs and challenges, share personal stories explaining why they are deserving of a grant, and provide documentation verifying financial hardship.
The advisory board places a strong emphasis on selecting applicants who will be positively impacted by a renewed smile both emotionally and socially.
Cosmetic Dental Procedures Covered
The Patterson Foundation grant covers a wide range of cosmetic treatments focused on creating an attractive, healthy smile. Some of the most common procedures funded by the grant include:
Veneers: Thin porcelain covers placed over the front of teeth to mask flaws, improve color, and recreate the appearance of straight, white teeth. Often used to correct chips, gaps, stains, or crookedness.
Dental Implants: Metal or ceramic posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth and provide support for bridges, crowns, or dentures. Implants help prevent bone loss and restore the look of natural teeth.
Teeth Whitening: Bleaching treatments to remove stains and discoloration, lightening tooth color by up to 10 shades or more. Done professionally in-office or using take-home trays for longer-lasting results.
Crowns: Tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth to restore strength, function, and normal appearance. Often made of porcelain fused to metal for durability with a natural look.
Bridges: Prosthetic teeth anchored to natural teeth on either side of a gap to replace one or more missing teeth and maintain the shape of the smile. Bridges utilize crowns on abutment teeth for support.
Gum Contouring: Reshaping swollen, uneven, or excess gum tissue to achieve a more uniform gum line and balanced smile. Often combined with crown lengthening to expose more of the natural tooth.
Tooth Replacement: Implants, bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures to replace missing teeth and fill in unsightly gaps in the smile line. Restores ability to speak, eat, and smile confidently.
Not all procedures are appropriate for every patient. The grant advisory board will work with recipients to develop a customized treatment plan targeting their unique cosmetic dental needs.
How Much Funding is Available?
The Patterson Foundation provides up to $30,000 in cosmetic dental funding per recipient. This allows for in-depth smile makeovers involving multiple procedures, or more complex treatments such as full mouth reconstructions.
On average, grants awarded are in the range of $10,000 to $20,000. Examples of the types of smile transformations possible with various funding levels include:
- $10,000 grant: Full upper and lower arch of veneers or crowns
- $15,000 grant: Lower arch reconstruction plus veneers on upper 8 front teeth
- $20,000 grant: Extensive rehabilitation with gum contouring, implants, bridges, and veneers
- $30,000 grant: Full mouth restoration with implants, veneers, crowns, and other treatments
The advisory board will determine the exact dollar amount awarded based on the recipient’s specific needs, maximize the impact of the funding, and stay within the foundation’s budget.
How are Recipients Selected?
Selection for the Patterson Foundation Cosmetic Dental Grant is highly competitive. The advisory board utilizes a thorough screening process that includes:
- Review of written applications and personal essays
- Background checks and income verification
- Phone or video interviews with shortlisted candidates
- Evaluation of cosmetic dental needs through photos, dental records, or in-person consultations
The most successful applicants are those who demonstrate significant need, articulate how a renewed smile will positively impact their lives, display motivation for oral healthcare, and show an engaged commitment throughout the application process.
Approximately 20 recipients are chosen annually from the hundreds of applicants. Preference may be given to cases involving dental trauma, congenital defects, or other major impediments to social engagement and career advancement.
All applicants will be notified by July 1st whether their application has been approved for funding.
Applying for the 2024 Patterson Cosmetic Dental Grant
Applications for the 2024 grant cycle will open on January 1, 2023, and close on March 31, 2023. All applications must be received within this 3-month window to be considered.
To apply, candidates must submit the following:
- Online application form: Provide basic contact information, demographic details, and consent for background check
- Personal essay: Explain your cosmetic dental needs, how they impact your life, and why you deserve the grant. Maximum 500 words.
- Photos: Submit 3 quality photos showing your smile and problem areas from different angles.
- Financial records: Supply pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or other files to demonstrate financial hardship.
- Dental history: Provide dental exam and x-ray records if available, or a summary of known oral health issues.
- Reference letter: Include a letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your situation and character.
- Application fee: Non-refundable $25 application fee payable by check or online.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so early submission is strongly encouraged. Only complete applications including all required documents will be considered.
Recipients will be matched with board-certified cosmetic dentists in their local area to perform the funded procedures. Travel assistance is provided for any patients located more than 100 miles from the nearest participating dental office.
FAQs on the Patterson Foundation Cosmetic Dental Grant
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Patterson Foundation Cosmetic Dental Grant program:
Who is the ideal candidate for this grant?
The grant seeks applicants with significant cosmetic dental issues like missing, broken, stained, or crooked teeth who lack the financial means to fix them. Candidates should demonstrate how new smiles will positively impact their lives.
What dental procedures does the grant cover?
It covers most major cosmetic treatments: veneers, implants, bridges, crowns, whitening, reshaping, dentures, and more. The advisory board will customize the grant amount and procedures to each recipient’s needs.
How are grant recipients chosen?
Competitively, through an application process assessing dental needs, personal impacts, financial records, and commitment to oral healthcare. The most compelling, qualified applicants are selected.
How much funding can I get?
Up to $30,000 per recipient is available, with an average grant of $10,000 – $20,000 based on your specific treatments.
When can I apply for 2024 funding?
The application period runs from January 1st to March 31st, 2023. Apply as early as possible for the best chance of selection.
How will I find out if I’ve been approved?
All applicants will receive status notifications by July 1, 2023. Selected recipients will then undergo full dental assessments.
Who performs the dental work?
Grant recipients are matched with top board-certified cosmetic dentists in their local area to complete treatments. Travel help is provided if needed.
What out-of-pocket costs are involved?
The grant is structured to cover all approved procedures with no out-of-pocket costs. Recipients may elect additional treatments at their own expense if desired.
What are my responsibilities if selected?
Recipients must maintain excellent oral hygiene, complete all required treatments promptly, and assist with follow-ups on the impact of the grant.
Applying for the Patterson Foundation Cosmetic Dental Grant provides an incredible opportunity to receive transformative dental care at no cost to you. We encourage anyone in need to apply during the upcoming 2024 grant cycle.
Conclusion
A beautiful, healthy smile can have far-reaching positive impacts on a person’s self-image, confidence, employability, relationships, and quality of life. Yet many people lack the financial resources to achieve the smile they deserve.
The Patterson Foundation Cosmetic Dental Grant exists to address this need, providing life-changing reconstructive dental care for underserved individuals across North America. With up to $30,000 in funding available per recipient, these grants enable dramatic smile transformations through veneers, implants, bridges, dentures, and more.
If you struggle with the appearance of your smile, the 2024 Patterson Grant application period opening January 1st may offer the chance to achieve the stunning smile you’ve always wanted. With rigorous selection criteria based on need, impact, and commitment to oral health, we encourage all eligible individuals to apply for consideration. A sparkling new smile could be waiting!
Mustafa Al Mahmud is a passionate medical writer and health enthusiast. He is excited to share his knowledge and make reliable health information more accessible through Quick Medico. Mustafa aims to write about common diseases, medications, wellness topics, and the latest health research in easy-to-understand language. He believes clear and accurate health communication empowers readers to take charge of their well-being. In his free time, Mustafa enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.