Due to its proximity to Canada, New Hampshire is the Granite State. It is an attractive state for seniors because of its low pollution and crime rates and beautiful scenery. In addition, it is very tax-friendly. There are no sales taxes and taxes on retirement income or Social Security support. For retirees, numerous outdoor activities and events are fun.
Here are these Dental Grants in New Hampshire. On the flip side, New Hampshire has high property taxes that pose a challenge for seniors dependent on retirement benefits. Also, winters here can be cold and long, having adverse health effects on older citizens with no heating alternatives. Although there is tax freedom, thanks to untaxed salaries, investment income is taxed.
All of this, coupled with the elderly’s deteriorating health, requires them to receive support to improve their quality of life. A variety of projects help them cope with the challenges they face. Local authorities, state agencies, the federal government, and other concerned groups have developed strategies to ensure seniors’ oral health.
Are There Dental Grants in New Hampshire?
The main challenges facing the dental healthcare system in New Hampshire are:
Expensive Dental Grants in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, the approximate cost of Dental Grants in New Hampshire is roughly $6,000. A surgical extraction costs $300 per tooth. The price of dentures ranges from $1,300 to $2,000 per tooth. In light of these statistics, many older citizens ignore dental problems, leading to serious oral diseases that lead to septicemia.
Of families with an income less than $25,000, 37.7% visited dental clinics. For families with incomes up to $50,000, $75,000, and above $75,000, 57.1%, 72.2%, and 82.8% sought dental healthcare. A household’s income determines whether or not they will seek oral care services because of the high cost of services.
Shortage of dental providers
Citizens of New Hampshire not only struggle to find money to pay for Dental Grants in New Hampshire but also struggle to find dentists to offer them services. There are too few dentists in the state, causing suffering from pain caused by oral diseases. Even patients with dental insurance either have to wait for months or seek help away from home. This is due to the high number of people who require medically necessary oral care.
Lack of sufficient knowledge about Dental Grants in New Hampshire
Statistics show that 38.1% of adults with less than a high school education visited a dentist in 2020, 59.9% of adults who graduated from high school, 68.8% with some post-high school education, and 83.1% of college grads visited dental clinics that same year. From the numbers, one’s level of education influences the frequency of dental clinic visits.
In this case, the relevant authorities saw it best to find solutions to these problems. Stakeholders include the Department of Health and Human Services, North Delta Dental Foundation, Dental Lifeline Network, New Hampshire Dental Society (NHDS), American Dental Association, charities, and not-for-profit organizations. They award dental grants to programs that provide dental care services in rural and ignored areas to:
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Promote mass education on oral healthcare by teaching people about proper dental practices and the importance of dental hygiene.
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Sponsor students interested in pursuing dentistry to increase the number of dental providers
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Support research and dental studies that lead to innovations that will advance oral healthcare
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Run programs that increase the accessibility of dental healthcare to the uninsured and underinsured
How To Get Financial Help For Dental Grants in New Hampshire
The most beneficial part about living in the era of technology is that information is a click away. Most Dental Grants in New Hampshire are online. You have to be thorough with your research. You can visit your local community health center and get guidance on how to go about it. Dental Lifeline Networks’ Donated Dental Services accepts the following applicants into their programs:
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Individuals that require medically necessary dental treatments
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Older citizens above 65
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Permanently disabled individuals
DDS programs receive a lot of applications and have a long waiting list. For this reason, they do not offer simple dental treatments (only comprehensive care), emergency services, or cosmetic dental procedures. If you meet the set criteria, you can apply by filling out this form. You can only benefit from the program once.
The Dental Grants in New Hampshire include
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Dental Grants in New Hampshire: These grants are awarded for supporting dental care programs, buying dental supplies and equipment, for professional development and mass education, and for supporting dental-related research.
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Cosmetic dental grants: They cover optional procedures like veneers, dentures, Invisalign, and crowns.
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Dental implant grants: Their purpose is to enable the disadvantaged to access these expensive dental implants to promote their oral and general health.
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Free dental implant clinical trials: The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research conducts clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of novel drugs and equipment used in dental practice. Participation in these studies is voluntary.
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Dental schools: If you’re looking for cheaper health care services and do not mind a student being your service provider, dental schools are a reasonable option. As a way of giving back to society, they offer dentistry treatments at affordable costs. The procedures are supervised and reviewed by licensed dentists.
Are There Charities/ Local Organizations That Help With Dental Grants in New Hampshire Costs?
Aspire Living & Learning
Aspire Living & Learning is a non-profit organization that helps adults with developmental and intellectual challenges access Dental Grants in New Hampshire through their Aspire residential services. The organization serves people with Medicaid who have to give up preventive care since it doesn’t cover these services.
Community Dental Care of Claremont
This organization helps seniors access treatments like dental check-ups, implants, and dentures, whether they are uninsured or have Medicaid.
Gateway Community Services
Gateway Community Services receives grants to support its Dental Grants in New Hampshire under their care. They have a comprehensive program that ensures seniors live quality lives in their homes.
Are There Free Or Low-cost Dental Clinics In New Hampshire?
This is a small list of sliding scale, affordable and not-for-profit clinics near you.
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NH Dental Society – Concord
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Amoskeag Urgent Dental Care – Manchester
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Goodwin Community Health – Somersworth
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Main Street Dental – Plymouth
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Landmark Dental Care – Nashua
Does Medicare Cover Dental Grants in New Hampshire?
Medicare does not cover dental costs. However, under specific medical conditions where dental care is necessary, it does. These services include examinations, diagnosis, treatments, and X-rays. Original Medicare Plans (parts A & B) do not cover medical services only performed by dentists.
If you have Medicare, you can get additional coverage by adding a dental plan to your Medicare Advantage plan. You may get discounts on your MA plan if you include a vision and dental plan. For dental implants, MA plans or a standalone plan will work best. With a monthly premium, a $4,500 dental implant will only cost you $900 out of pocket.
Are There Grants Or Programs For Helping With Fillings, Decay, Cleanings, And Root Canal Costs?
NH Smile Program, Dental Grants in New Hampshire
Seniors who are Medicaid beneficiaries can now have their Dental Grants in New Hampshire costs covered through the Medicaid Smile Program for adults 21 years and older. An annual amount of $1,150 is available to cover preventive services, including X-rays, cleanings, fillings, exams, extractions, treatment for trauma, crowns, root canals, and dentures.
Financial assistance for Dental Grants in New Hampshire
The Old Age Assistance Program offers monetary aid to seniors who are citizens of New Hampshire or non-citizens who meet the eligibility criteria. If you qualify for OAA, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Seniors whose income and resources (excluding cars and residential homes) total less than $1,500 can apply for OAA.
Supplemental Security Income is financial aid from the Social Security Administration to seniors above 65 to help them meet basic needs.
The resources and benefits provided to seniors in New Hampshire make the state comfortable. High mortality and morbidity rates related to dental conditions can strain a state’s health system. More strategies are necessary to alleviate poor oral health in rural areas to help citizens live better lives.
Also Read: Senior Centers in Florida
