Dental care is expensive, but you can, sometimes, get dentistry grants by researching available grants.

These may include government grants, private foundations grants, grants from nonprofit organizations, or grants from charitable dental organizations.
After researching the grant you desire, check to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. If yes, gather the necessary documents required for the application.
Afterward, complete the application process carefully and accurately. Then, apply and follow up to confirm if it was received.
Below, we shed light on how to get dentistry grants for your dental care needs.
Understanding Dental Grants for Individuals
Dental grants are a form of financial aid offered to individuals and families to help them cover the costs of essential dental treatments. They are offered by nonprofit organizations, government agencies, charitable foundations, etc.
Dental grants are important. They make it easy for individuals to afford dental services and cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental implants, teeth whitening, etc.
Additionally, dental grants offer access to preventive dental care, which are essential in improving your oral health and maintaining oral hygiene.
Common types of dental grants available are:
- Government grants
- Private foundations
- Charitable foundations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Specialty grant and assistance programs
Eligibility Criteria for Dental Grants
Here are some criteria to determine your eligibility for the dental grant program. However, note that the criteria vary per state and grant you are applying to.
Income requirements: To qualify for most dental grants, your income must fall below a certain threshold. The threshold might be 100%, 150%, 200%, or 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

For example, a dental grant program may require applicants to have an income below 100% of the FPL to qualify. Each dental grant has different income requirements.
Noteworthy, FPL is the same in all States (Aside from Alaska and Hawaii) and is updated yearly. It doesn’t just access your net pay. Rather, it’s based on your modified gross income (MAGI).
Age restrictions: While some dental grants have age restrictions, others don’t. Most dental grants are open to individuals aged 18 and above at the time of their application date.
Some grants cater only to the elderly. Minors are also eligible for dental grants, but they need the approval of their parents and legal guardians.
Citizenship or residency status: Dental grants are available to citizens of the country offering the program, including legal residents. Some grants may also be available to individuals with certain types of work or student visas.
However, such individuals will need to prove that they are legally working or schooling in the country to access dental grants.
State-specific dental grants are accessible to residents of the state. You can visit the official website of the grant you wish to apply to for more information.
Other eligibility factors to consider: Dental health needs and disability are other criteria for dental grants. Grants are often awarded to people with significant dental health issues that need treatment. Some grants serve individuals with permanent disabilities.
Additionally, grants like cosmetic dentistry grants require applicants to prove that their mouth is in good shape to support the cosmetic treatment they want.
A free oral assessment will be carried out by a recognized dental practitioner in your area. The grants program or dental practice usually contacts the applicant to arrange an appointment.
NB: You can schedule a consultation with a participating dental practitioner in your area to determine your eligibility. When in doubt, contact the program directly to determine if you are qualified.
How to Apply for Dental Grants
Researching available grants
Research available dental grants online. Check government programs, professional associations, and nonprofit organizations that offer dental grants. Contact a dental office or a recognized or Certified Dental Practitioner in your area for help.
But, before you do all these, you must understand your needs.
What kind of dental work you need do you want to be done? Do you need free dental implants?
There are grants offered by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations that cover dental implants.
Are you looking to improve your dental health and smile? The cosmetic dentistry grants program covers cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and bleaching, dental bridges, gum lifts, etc.
You should also consider the urgency of the treatment and your eligibility while researching available grants.
Gathering necessary documentation
Before applying for a dental grant, you need to gather the necessary documentation. These documents include:
- Proof of income
- Proof of residency
- Identification
- Dental treatment plans required
Completing the application process
Ensure you fill out the application form accurately and provide all the required information. Some grants may request specific information or details about your finances.

Additionally, some grants may ask questions about your dental needs or why you require financial aid for your dental procedure. After applying, reach out to the program to confirm if your application was received.
Tips for a successful application
For a successful dental grant application, you need to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying for the program.
Furthermore, make sure you gather all the necessary documents. You should also remember to demonstrate your financial situation genuinely and how it’s preventing you from receiving dental care.
Lastly, follow the application instructions to the letter. Any mistake may put the success of your application at risk.
Benefits of Dental Grants for Individuals
- Financial relief for dental expenses: Dental care can be expensive, especially for low-income individuals. However, thanks to dental grants, low-income earners can have easy access to dental care. The program subsidizes the cost of some dental procedures. This allows eligible individuals to pay less for dental work and basic cosmetic dentistry services.
- Access to quality dental care: Gone are the days when quality dental care was only accessible to the rich. With dental grants, low-income earners can enjoy quality dental care, too. This includes preventive care treatments, treatment for dental issues, and even cosmetic dentistry treatments, all provided by certified dentists using the best techniques and dental equipment.
- Improved oral health outcomes: The high cost of dental care can deter or delay individuals from seeking dental treatment, putting their oral health at risk. However, with financial aid from dental grants, low-income individuals can seek dental care. They can seek dental treatment without delay due to lack of finances, thus improving their oral health and overall well-being.
Additional Resources for Dental Financial Assistance
Nonprofit organizations offering dental grants
Some nonprofit organizations are offering dental grants.
The dental lifeline network is one of them. The nonprofit organization offers dental care services to people with disabilities, especially the elderly or medically fragile.
The Mission of Mercy also offers grants. The organization offers free dental care and medication to the underinsured and uninsured.
Smile for Everyone Foundation is another nonprofit that offers dental grants. They provide free dental care to low-income individuals worldwide.
Each dental grant covers different dental services. For specific information, contact the program. The participating dentist and your program consultant will inform you of the parts of your treatment plan that will be considered for a dental grant.
Government assistance programs
Individuals looking for dental assistance can also turn to government assistance programs. These programs include Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare, and Federally Funded Health Community Centers.

Each program has varying eligibility requirements. So, ensure you meet them before applying.
Alternative options for dental care financing
Aren’t you eligible for a dental grant? You can try alternative options like dental loans. They are unsecured and don’t require collateral. You can apply for the loan via a credit union, bank, or online lender.
A dental savings plan is another option. With the plan, you can get discounts on dental care. However, you’ll need to pay a yearly fee of $100- $200.
Finally, you can decide to leverage a payment plan. Some dentists offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your dental treatment over a few months or years.
Conclusion
Dental grants can help subsidize the costs of dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. Some dental grants even offer free treatment.
Research dental grants online and offline, considering your eligibility and dental needs. Ensure you gather the necessary documents before applying.
If you aren’t eligible for dental grants, consider alternative options like a dental payment plan, a dental loan, or a dental savings plan.
FAQs
Is there a fee to apply for a dental grant?
Most dental grants are free to apply for. However, you may want to contact the program directly to confirm before applying.
What dental procedure does the cosmetic dentistry grant cover?
Cosmetic dentistry grants cover dental procedures such as gum lifts, crowns, dentures, veneers, Invisalign, whitening and bleaching, implants, bonding, bridges, contouring and reshaping, and veneers.