Finding a dentist with no insurance or income.
People with no dental insurance, the homeless and patients with little or no income may still be able to receive dental care. The options are wide-ranging and include nonprofit community clinics, dentists that volunteer their time, and mobile outreach programs such as “pop up clinics”. These services, noted below, are designed to help uninsured patients, people experiencing homelessness, and households facing an extreme financial hardship access basic and emergency dental care.
Care is often provided at no cost to people with no money or health/dental insurance. Dental providers set their own eligibility rules as well as hours of when care is offered - as they programs are often limited in capacity. Many programs prioritize patients with no insurance or very low income and do not require proof of income for emergency or volunteer-based care.
Types of dental care provided if you can’t afford it
Dentists and clinics that serve patients with no income or insurance typically focus on essential services and/or preventative dental care. This will of course not be for cosmetic or requests such as orthodontics. Services often include exams and basic cleanings as well as treatment for infections if applicable.
What may be possible, but is less common if someone has zero money or no insurance will be care such as X-rays, fillings, extractions, bridges, and relief of dental pain. While still possible, if a patient has no money or insurance to help offset the costs of that type of treatment it will be less commonly offered. Availability of advanced procedures varies widely, and not all clinics offer the same services. Emergency dental care may be available at select locations on specific days or through appointment-based intake.
Where to find a free dentist for people with no insurance
There are a few different options to use to find care. Of course, and arguably the most widely known, will be federally qualified community clinics and health care centers. Select a state, county and/or city from the list on NHPB to find a free or dentist or provider in your area. There are clinics, medical or healthcare centers, mobile facilities and other charities that provide assistance to the poor and people with no insurance available to them. While terms and conditions vary, find a free or income based dental clinic by state, county or city from our directory.
- Note that many clinics also accept Medicaid for limited services, as that type of government insurance can be an option for people in “Extreme” poverty and that lack insurance. They dental chains that take Medicaid may do that while still offering care to patients without insurance through charitable funding or volunteer support. Services and eligibility vary by location.
Remote Area Medical operates free mobile medical and dental clinics across the United States. These short-term clinics, often called “pop-ups” provide dental care to underserved populations, including uninsured patients, immigrants, and the unhoused. Services are offered at temporary locations for limited dates, and care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Upcoming clinic schedules are available at https://www.ramusa.org/.
Dental schools and training programs also provide care to patients with little or no income. They often operate at a college or technical school. These clinics operate under the supervision of licensed dentists or a hygienist, with students providing treatment as part of their clinical training. As some of the care is arranged by dental hygienist schools. Services often include exams, cleanings, fillings, emergency tooth extractions, and other basic procedures.
- Dental school clinics serve two purposes: they allow students to gain experience while expanding access to dental care for uninsured and low-income patients. Availability and wait times vary by school and location. Use this page to find a dental school clinic near you, whether it is a hygienist training program or dentist.
America’s Dentists Care Foundation operates Mission of Mercy dental clinics, which are temporary mobile events staffed by volunteer dentists and hygienists. Anyone in the area can use them - whether they have insurance or not. These clinics provide free dental care and generally do not require proof of income or insurance. All treatment is free. Patients are treated on a first-come, first-served basis, and services depend on available staffing and supplies. Upcoming clinic dates and locations are listed at https://adcf.net/clinic-schedule/.
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