Need financial help with dental health costs? Here’s what you can do
No one should ever have to hide their smile. Yet this is an unfortunate reality for millions of people who need expensive or unexpected dental treatment. In 2025, 18% of U.S. adults skipped dental care because they couldn’t afford it, according to the Federal Reserve.
Dental insurance is critical for accessing necessary dental care and serves as a financial safety net. Although it doesn’t cover everything, it usually covers preventive care like cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Basic treatments are partially covered, while significant treatments may have lower coverage percentages.
If you don’t know how to ask for help paying for dental work, don’t lose hope. Below, we uncover 10 surprising resources to help you regain your confident smile, including charities that help with dental costs.
A breakdown of common dental costs
Depending on the type of dental work you need, the cost of visiting a dentist can vary greatly. Check with your providers for accurate costs, including the full treatment plan with follow-ups and aftercare. Let’s break down typical out-of-pocket dental costs, from a routine visit to a dental emergency like an expensive surgery:
- A routine dental visit with an exam, X-rays, and cleaning costs between $50 and $350 without insurance.
- Chronic periodontitis is gum disease that’s more advanced than gingivitis and affects roughly half (42%) of all U.S. adults over 30. Treatment requires scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure that costs about $242 per quadrant on average, although total treatment costs vary with the number of quadrants and complexity.
- Dental fillings are usually partially covered by insurance, depending on the location of the tooth and the type of material used. They cost between $139 and $976 without insurance.
- A root canal is a common procedure necessary to repair a tooth infected at the root. The cost depends on your insurance, and it can cost over $1,000 without insurance.
- Tooth extraction costs on average between $137 and $835 without insurance, depending on whether the tooth is erupted or impacted and if surgical anesthesia is used. This procedure is necessary for certain damaged or infected teeth.
- Dental implants, a surgical procedure that requires an artificial root to anchor a tooth replacement, can range from $3,500 to $6,700 for a single-tooth implant.
- Dentures can cost anywhere from $340 to $11,018, depending on the quality of the dentures. Dental insurance often covers about half of the procedure.
- Braces cost an average of $5,108 to $9,221, depending on the type. Braces are often not fully covered by insurance.
Read more: Spotlight statistics about medical debt you need to know
10 ways to get help with dental bills
Everyone should have access to the dental treatment and healthcare they need, and figuring out how to pay for dental work doesn’t need to be stressful. From nonprofit organizations that help with dental costs for seniors to low-cost dental clinics, these 10 options can help you and your loved ones find financial assistance for dental work and oral health.
1. Dental schools
Government dental assistance options are available to dental schools and public health centers, allowing them to offer discounted services to those in need, making dental care more affordable. Check the list of accredited dental schools on the American Dental Education Association website to find one in your area.
Dental students treat patients under the supervision of licensed dentists, at a reduced cost. Services include cleanings, polishing, and checkups. To book an appointment, inquire about availability and the services you need. Remember that appointments may take longer due to students working under supervision and needing to do a thorough examination.
2. Dental grants
Dental grants may partially or fully cover the cost of expensive medical treatments. While these grants can be life-changing, many come with a list of qualifications that must be met. Waiting periods are also common and can sometimes last many months. Make sure to read the application requirements thoroughly to see if you are eligible.
- For survivors of domestic or sexual violence, the AACD Charitable Foundation offers help through its Give Back a Smile program. Volunteer dentists in the U.S. repair front-tooth injuries for adults who qualify.
- If you’re wondering how to get help with dental implants, see the dental implant assistance section below.
3. Online fundraising
Thousands of people have turned to crowdfunding as a way to find financial support for unexpected dental costs. There’s no shame in asking those close to you for help. In fact, your story can be so powerful that even strangers may be moved to donate.
Crowdfunding also means you receive support from your community, which can be priceless in a time of need. Do research on the best crowdfunding sites to determine one that works for your needs.
Consider using online fundraising to help cover the cost of expensive dental work, and follow these medical fundraising tips to make sure your fundraiser is a success:
- Host a fundraising event, like a barbecue or car wash, as a way to bring family and friends together around your cause. Events like these provide a great opportunity to ask for donations in a relaxed environment.
- Build a community around your fundraiser and consider sharing on social media to increase donations.
- Regularly update your fundraiser and follow up with supporters to let them know how their donation made an impact.
4. Public dental clinics
The Health Resources and Services Administration website lists clinics for people who qualify. Income restrictions apply, and not all dental services may be offered in your location. Reach out to the clinic for more details on eligibility. Another resource for finding a low-cost clinic near you is the NeedyMeds dental clinic database, which contains information for over 4,000 clinics, some of which are funded by state or federal grants.
5. Charities offering financial assistance
Many charities offer dental financial assistance that insurance may not always cover, including help with braces costs. Below are a few organizations that may be able to help.
Smiles Change Lives
Established in 1997, this organization focuses on offering financial assistance for braces to youth in need. Certain eligibility requirements must be met, and there may be lengthy wait times. Additionally, the person receiving braces must be under 21 years old. While the charity doesn’t completely cover the cost of braces, the expense is significantly reduced.
Dental Lifeline Network
If you need financial assistance for dentures, the Dental Lifeline Network can help. The nonprofit organization offers help with denture costs to people 65 or older, people with permanent disabilities, and people with medical needs. Applicants must meet at least one of these criteria. Dental Lifeline Network operates programs across the United States through a network of volunteer dentists and laboratories.
Read more: Financial help for seniors: 25 resources
United Way
United Way has hundreds of locations in the United States and around the world, many of which offer free dental clinics. Contact your local office and see what programs are available in your area. Some of these dental clinics are also mobile, which makes visiting a dentist that much easier.
6. Dental financing
If you need to finance the cost of dental work, there are a few options available. Keep in mind that these options require an application with some restrictions, and that interest will add up if the balance is not paid in full by the due date. Choose financing for dental work carefully. Check your dentist’s payment plans and compare rates, terms, and repayment flexibility. Consider your budget, the urgency of dental work, and your financial situation.
- CareCredit offers financing for a wide range of dental procedures. For purchases of $200 or more, promotional financing options may include deferred interest for a set period. If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end of that period, interest is charged from the original purchase date. Terms, promotional periods, and interest rates vary.
- A 0% APR credit card charges no interest for new purchases or balance transfers for an introductory period, typically 6 to 20 months. During the introductory period, you can pay for dental procedures without interest.
- As a less expensive alternative to dental insurance, dental discount cards work by collecting an annual membership fee in exchange for reduced rates at participating dentists.
- Always negotiate your bill with the dental office before starting treatment. Some dentists may offer discounts to uninsured patients.
If you have a poor or limited credit history, ask your dental office about financing options before turning to third-party lenders. Some practices offer in-house payment plans that let patients pay for treatment in installments and may have more flexible eligibility requirements than traditional financing companies. Terms vary by provider. Some plans require a down payment, have shorter repayment periods, or charge fees for late payments, so review the agreement before you sign up.
7. Medical tourism
More Americans are finding that it’s far less expensive to travel abroad for a medical procedure than to get the same procedure in the U.S. This practice, known as medical tourism, can be beneficial if you’re willing to pay the upfront costs of travel to save more on the dental procedure in the long run. According to the CDC, people from the U.S. most often travel to Mexico and Canada for medical care, as well as to countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Medical tourism for dental work can save money, but it has risks. To reduce these risks, follow these tips:
- Research the reputation, qualifications, and standards of care of dental facilities abroad.
- Evaluate the credentials of dental professionals, clinic accreditation, and patient reviews.
- Be aware of language barriers, differences in regulations, and challenges in follow-up care.
- Verify adherence to international health and safety standards.
Research diligently and understand the risks before choosing this option for dental care abroad.
8. Donated Dental Services
The Donated Dental Services program offers free dental treatment to people who cannot afford necessary treatment or receive public aid. If you qualify for the program, you may not have to pay for any dental work. To be eligible, you must be 65 or older, have a permanent disability, or need medically necessary dental care.
9. Government assistance for dental costs
- Medicare is a health insurance program that provides coverage for individuals 65 years old and older or those with specific disabilities. However, Medicare dental coverage is limited and does not cover most standard dental care or dentures. Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer additional benefits not covered by Medicare, such as vision, hearing, or dental services.
- Medicaid is a joint federal and state health program that offers dental benefits to eligible low-income individuals, including adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid denture coverage varies by state. Some states cover full or partial dentures for eligible adults, and others don’t. Check your state’s Medicaid program for coverage, restrictions, and eligibility requirements.
- The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, provides medical coverage and dental services to qualified children under age 19. CHIP-covered dental services vary from state to state.
- InsureKidsNow.gov helps families find affordable health insurance for children and teens. Its Medicaid/CHIP Dentist Locator allows you to locate a dentist who accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
- Veterans may qualify for dental care through Veterans Affairs and may be able to get some or all of their dental care through the VA.
10. Dental implant assistance programs
Because dental implants can cost $3,500 to $6,700, grants and other financial assistance may help make treatment more affordable. The Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program currently accepts applications for partial grants toward dental implants. To qualify, an oral health assessment must confirm that your mouth is healthy enough to support the requested treatment, and a participating dental practitioner must recommend you for the program. Any necessary basic dental work must be completed first at your expense.
Other active resources include the New Smile Foundation, a nonprofit that accepts applications for donated dental implants, mainly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Smile Fund USA currently offers implant grants to eligible applicants in San Diego and Los Angeles counties.
Many dental insurance plans exclude implants or limit implant benefits, while adult Medicaid dental coverage varies by state, and implants may not be covered. This makes grants and financing especially important for implant treatment. The financing options discussed above, including CareCredit, can also be used toward eligible implant costs.
A GoFundMe fundraiser is another option for helping bridge the gap between insurance, grants, financing, and out-of-pocket costs.
Fundraising can help with dental costs
Many people turn to fundraising to help with dental costs, since there are no application deadlines or qualifications to start a fundraiser. Taking care of your health is crucial, but it can be hard when money is tight.
By sharing your story honestly, you can raise awareness and encourage people to donate to your fundraiser. This way, you can get the support you need to deal with your medical expenses and focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
Start a GoFundMe to create your dental fundraiser and get the support you need to take care of your smile. Dental costs are often just one part of a larger medical bill, so if you are managing multiple expenses, our guide to paying medical bills can help too.
Looking for more ways to uplift families in need? GoFundMe Giving Funds could be a good fit for you
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support families facing financial challenges, GoFundMe Giving Funds makes it easy to give with impact. As a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), GoFundMe Giving Funds allows you to make tax-deductible contributions directly to verified charities that support causes like family services, housing, or education. You can manage all your giving in one place and even invest your contributions to potentially increase your impact over time. It’s a secure, flexible, and heartfelt way to support families, without the need to start or manage a fundraiser yourself.
Want to learn more about donor-advised funds and how you can benefit from one? Learn more with these resources: What is a donor-advised fund?, Benefits of donor-advised funds, Choosing a donor-advised fund, Cost of setting up a donor-advised fund (DAF), What are DAF rules?, Qualified charitable distributions and DAFs, How to set up a donor-advised fund
Financial help with dental costs FAQs
If you need dental work but can’t afford it, you have options. Dental schools, public clinics, charities, dental grants, financing, and programs like Medicaid and CHIP can all lower your costs. You can also consider fundraising to help with out-of-pocket costs. A GoFundMe fundraiser is one option that does not require an application or waiting period to start raising funds.
Yes, some dental offices offer in-house dental payment plans with no credit check because the dental practice, rather than a third-party financing company, arranges the payments directly with the patient. This differs from products such as CareCredit, which generally consider creditworthiness during the application process. In-house plans are not available at every dental practice, and terms vary, so ask about payment options when scheduling treatment.
Fully free dental implants are rare and generally available only in limited qualifying circumstances. Programs such as Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services may provide donated dental treatment to eligible people who are 65 or older, have a permanent disability, or need medically necessary dental care. For most people, grants, insurance coverage where available, and financing are more realistic options. See the dental implant assistance section above for additional resources and ways to manage implant costs.