Can You Get Free Dental Care in Massachusetts?
Dental care is important, but it's also expensive. can be difficult to find, but there are many low-cost providers available. Since there are so many options, comparing them all to find one that works for you can be a challenge.
DoNotPay can help make your search for an affordable dentist easier by matching you with eligible providers and getting you accurate quotes for procedures before they happen. This can allow you to avoid stress while taking good care of your dental and overall health. Here's some important information about accessing free and low-cost dental services in Massachusetts.
Who Can Get Free Dental Care in Massachusetts?
When looking for free dental care in Massachusetts, you'll find that there are more low-cost options than completely free dental clinics. You can find lower prices at dental schools and community clinics, which may offer either fixed prices or sliding scales based on your income. Most opportunities for free dental care in Massachusetts are offered by nonprofits serving the homeless.
MassHealth Coverage
MassHealth is the state's low-income health coverage program that combines the programs known as Medicaid and CHIP in other states. If you qualify for MassHealth, you should start by enrolling in coverage to have the best access to affordable dental care. You can apply for MassHealth, as well as state-subsidized insurance plans, at Massachusetts Health Connector.
These are the requirements for MassHealth coverage:
- Residency: You need to live in Massachusetts, but you do not need a permanent address.
- Immigration status: You need to be a U.S. citizen or have another immigration status for most healthcare programs.
- Income: MassHealth's income requirements range from 133-200% of the federal poverty line depending on your situation. For example, pregnant women and those with young babies can qualify with a higher income than parents of older children.
Resources for Free and Low Cost Dental Care
- Dental schools: As a state known for its many colleges and universities, Massachusetts also has several dental schools. The dental schools at Harvard, Tufts and Boston University all offer discounted exams and procedures performed by student dentists. This can be a good option for higher earners because dental schools don't have the income restrictions that other affordable providers do. Those pressed for time should be aware that these appointments tend to take longer.
- Non-profits: There are a number of nonprofit organizations throughout Massachusetts that provide free or low cost healthcare, including dental services. Each group will have its own target constituency and eligibility requirements.
- Community health centers: These are health clinics dedicated to keeping their costs reasonable. They may receive federal funding, and they often have sliding scale discounts available for uninsured patients.
How to Find Free Dental Care in Massachusetts Yourself
Here are some options for affordable dental care in Massachusetts.
| Clinic | Address | Contact Details | Other Information |
| Harvard School of Dental Medicine | 188 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA | 617-432-1434 | Harvard School of Dental Medicine accepts MassHealth and many private insurance plans. Its fees are lower than those of dentists in private practice. |
| Tufts School of Dental Medicine | 1 Kneeland Street
Boston, MA 02111 | 617-636-6998 | Tufts accepts MassHealth and most private insurance plans. The school's Comprehensive Care Clinic estimates that its fees are about 50% less than those of local private practice dentists. |
| Boston University School of Dental Medicine | 635 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02118 | 617-358-8300 | Fees are lower than average, and BU is committed to providing clear, upfront information about your individual costs. |
| Community Health Center of Cape Cod | Bourne Location:
123 Waterhouse Road Bourne, MA 02532 Mashpee Location: 107 Commercial Street Mashpee, MA 02649 | 508-477-7090 | The Community Health Center accepts MassHealth and most private insurance plans, and offers a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients. |
| John P. Musante Health Center | The Bangs Community Center
70 Boltwood Walk Lower Level Amherst, MA 01002 | 413-835-4980 | This is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which is focused on providing dental and all other types of healthcare at affordable costs. The clinic accepts MassHealth and most insurance plans, and offers a sliding scale discount based on income for uninsured patients. |
More Options for Free Dental Care in Massachusetts
Here are some additional affordable dental practices:
- New Health – North End Waterfront Health
- St. Francis House
- Fitchburg Community Health Center
- Kennedy Community Health Center – Framingham Dental
Conveniently Access Free Dental Care in Massachusetts With DoNotPay
Finding the right provider for free or low-cost dental care in Massachusetts can be challenging. DoNotPay's fast, easy and successful system can simplify the process. With DoNotPay, you can conveniently identify dentists, find cost savings that you qualify for and understand exactly what you can expect to pay.
Here's how you can use DoNotPay to :
- Search "dentist" on DoNotPay.
- Enter your current address, so we can find the clinic nearest to you.
- Select whether you would like to ask a question about your eligibility, receive a quote for a specific procedure, or set up an appointment.
And that's it! DoNotPay will contact the clinic on your behalf and get back to you with the information you requested.
If you're struggling to pay for dental care in Massachusetts, contact now!
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