CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH

If you are in need of dental care and are unable to financially afford any services, contact an advocate at MPACT for step-by-step guidance to get a healthy smile. Go to www.ncmpact.org for more information.

Cassandra Minor, RDH

NC MPACT Inc.

Hi, I am looking for help to get my teeth pulled. I had chemo and once I stopped my teeth are breaking off at the gum, while I am eating. My 2 lower bottom front teeth and 4 more on the bottom, and 4 at the top that needs an oral surgery. The rest can be pulled. I can't eat correctly so my blood sugar levels are messing up (and I'm hungry). I'm in my 60's and on a fixed income so after paying bills for the month I have no money left. If anyone can steer me in the right direction, please let me know.

Thank you

Many Pennsylvania Dental Association member dentists offer dental care at a reduced cost to senior citizens on low or fixed incomes through the Senior Dental Care Program. More than 1,000 dentists have participated in this voluntary program, which enables many seniors obtain affordable dental care and helps them enjoy good health and well-being.

Program Eligibility

Participating referral dentists offer a minimum discount of 15 percent off their usual fees for patients who meet the program’s basic requirements. In order to be eligible, a patient must fulfill all of the following requirements:

• Pennsylvania resident.
• Age 65 or older.
• Not be receiving federal, state or other dental health assistance.
• Not have private dental insurance.
• Have a total annual household income of less than $14,500 for a single person or less than $17,700 for a married couple.

If you are not eligible for PDA’s program, you still have options. Click to view the Dental Clinic Directory, a compilation of free and reduced-fee dental clinics and centers in Pennsylvania.

For more information, contact Michelle Mikus at (717) 234-5941.

Enrollment Procedures

Contact your local legislator, Area Agency on Aging or the United Way of Pennsylvania to request a PDA Senior Dental Care Program mail-in registration brochure or complete the online referral request form. It’s up to you to make an appointment by calling the dentist’s office. Be sure to tell the receptionist that you are a patient in the Senior Dental Care Program.

I am a 47 year old female in search of help getting dentures. My income is very limited because I am disabled and live on $694 a month. I only have 12 teeht left in my mouth; 5 spaced out at the top and 7 in the front at the bottom. My dentist have told me that if I don't get dentures soon, it could start to bother my health. That I don't need. I already suffer from diabeties, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions. The problem is that none of the teeth that I do have touch togehter, making it almost impossible to chew my food like I should. I kinow that a lot of people make posts like this, asking for help, and I don't know how they are screened to see if they are truthful, but I am willing to provide any medical or financial records needed to prove that I am being completely trurhful.If there is anyone that can and is willing to help me, please do so. If you know of any programs that can help me, let me know about them. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Patchiesgirl and DT,

There are some free dental clinics that may be in your area that would be available to assist you. I would try googling or calling your local social assistance office to see what resources they have. I know in my area, the schools do dental evaluations for a couple dollars. Also, try the Salvation Army too.

If all else fails and dental insurance is too expensive or you can't qualify for it, then I would look into dental benefits. Feel free to contact me or go on my website to learn more about utilizing dental benefits which can save you a great deal of money on dental expenses. You may end up having to pay out of pocket anyway so why not save?

 Good luck!

T. Staten

Hi

What city and state do you live in?? Then if I knew, I might be able to help you find a dentist for free. 

Take care

I am in bad need of financial aid to get lots of dental work done. Is there any place to get that help. I am retired due to physical problems and my wife is disabled. We can't afford to do anything on our own. PLEASE HELP>

Hi Allisandra! I read over your post and I'm in a similar situation. I live in Peterborough, Ontario and I know our local public health unit offers assistance with dental costs. Also, there's a new program with the government of Canada (or could be Ontario) that says all neccesary procedures for children will be covered. I'm advising you to try your local health unit first, they should be able to help. If not, they'll know which government program it is that can help. Good luck with your daughter. Let me know how you make out.

Peace and Blessings to you and yours...

Take care,

April

I am a 27 year-old male. I am sad to say I am a poor man. I have tried and tried to get my teeth fixed, but I have no way to d so. All but 3 or 4 of my teeth are decaying, and it is starting to affect my health. I don't know if putting my problems on this forum will help, but somethings gotta give.

Thank you for your respose and guidance I will be looking into your suggestions.I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE!!THERE IS HOPE!!

Ouch!  Sounds terrible!  You'll fin d lots of dental resources on Soulight's page.  If you click on the link in my profile you'll learn about a dental discount plan which can save you as much as 80% on dental plus loads of other benefits.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I was a waitress for a long time - it's hard work!  Best wishes, Rosie

I am a 45 yr. old woman and some of my choices in life were not so brilliant.Proudly I have been making wiser choices. I have had posts implanted with caps ,root canals ,metal beams to hold it all together. Of course numerous teeth needed to be removed.All this work{$10,000 worth}was temporary.I somehow didn't hear that part but signed the papers that said I did.Not so brilliant,now I read before I sign.Now all this work is falling out ,I have my four front teeth left,one post is exposed as well as the metal beam.These teeth are about to come out they are loose.I am in so much pain and advil { motrin,aleve  etc..}doesn't really do anything.Eating has become a fear.I am a waitress,with no education in any other field.Aesthetically it's hard to smile.I am a woman trying to better myself not just looks,but also educationally.My brother has given me an opportunity to explore the possibilities.there is also my most precious miracle,my 3yr. old son,that has given me inspiration to provide a good,stable environment with a good example to learn from.Part of these things come from me.It's very difficult to reach out for help,but PLEASE if there is anyone who can guide me on what path is next I am in a lot of pain and have been told that my condition is also infected in my jaw.I've been told that this could kill me at any time.

So, here's what i need.  There are a lot of ppl on this site posting about their dental needs.  I am not in a position as of now to assist, but i'm working on it.  It is my life goal to begin this Nonprofit, to help people like you.. So what i need is testimonials to affirm my belief that this is a growing problem in america.  The more testimonials that i recieve, the more of a case i have to base my business plan on.  The more financial assistance and offer for services that i am able to acquire and the more publicity. 

In exchange for the testimonial, i will keep your contact information in a file (if you wish to share it).  When i begin my nonprofit organization, those who have provided testimonials will be the first people that i will assist in whatever financial or service capacity that i (as a nonprofit) am able.

This is part of the very first step in my business plan and it is a very important one, identifying the need for the kind of assistance that i plan to provide.  So, please send me your stories, your needs, your situation.  Here are some questions that might help you organize your thoughts on the subject. 

 -What are your dental issues?

-Are you in debt because of some dental expense?

-Are your children in need of dental assistance that you can't provide?

-Do you know others in this same situation?

-Do you feel a lack of self confidence because of this dental issue?

-Does this dental issue affect your physical appearance?

-Do you believe that your dental issue has prevented you from getting a good job?

-Do you believe that this dental issue is holding you back?

-What do you believe that you could accomplish if this dental issue was taken care of?

-What do you believe is the cause of this dental issue?

Also, if there's anyone who knows someone who is a dentist who might be interested in helping me further this project with advice or other assistance, please have them take a look at this and let me know their thoughts.

thanks

Maya

Work from home jobs are tricky. Beware of pyramid schemes, etc. The ones I know about are mostly sales, things like Avon, Amway, Partylite, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Lia Sophia, Discovery Toys, and so forth. They require one to be the "sales" type and host parties, etc but they can be lucrative. Just beware of those types you find online saying "stuff envelopes for us" etc. You may want to try contacting the unemployment office and asking if they know of legitimate companies looking to hire a work from home person. Some jobs will even work on a share basis where you work x number of days at home with x days or day in the office.

Thanks for all the information that you all have sent me on finding dentists.  I have found one that accepted an application for free dental assistance.  It could take up to a year or more for them to get with me, but it's better than having this ugly smile forever.

Also, if anyone has any information on work from home jobs that are legit please let me know.  I'm not talking about the ones where I have to pay something to buy a package from someone to let me type for them. 

Thanks very much,

Aim

Like you, I also suffer from the devastating  damage caused by this medication.  No longer can I perform as a flutist. After being unsuccessful at trying to hire a law firm to have the company pay for dental work, am trying to salvage the few teeth I have left.  Maybe if we pull together, a firm will tackle this.  It would appear that the people suffering from this is more than the average public knows.  Would you be interested in joining me in the fight?

My mom is in need of a very expensive surgery so that she can continue to eat food with chewing. She is on Medicare which will not pay anything. Does anyone know of some assistance that she can look into for help with this procedure?

You can save up to 80% on dental and medical care by becoming a member of Ameriplan at http://www.BenefitsByRosie.com.  I'm here to answer any questions you may have about our discount plans.  You can also contact local dental schools and see if they provide low-cost services.  Best wishes, Rosie

YOU MAY GO TO DONATE DENTAL SERVICES, BUT YOU MUST BE A T POVERTY LEVEL TO QUALIFY.  YOU MAY ALSO TRY TO FINANCE IT WITH CARE CREDIT. IF YOU FIND ANYTHING ELSE PLESE POST IT FOR i HAVE BEEN LOKKING ALSO FOR MY DISABLED SISTER

Hello Reader,

I am in dire need of dental assistance. Despite healthy oral hygeine practices for the past decade or so I have had decaying teeth which I have not been able afford any work for. It's impossible to eat many types of food without great discomfort now and I have attempted numerous times to find assistance.
The matter seems to have now developed into a reactive phobia of sorts which affects my ability to effectively communicate orally, and above all is starting to greatly affect my ability to concentrate on tasks any time pain is present.

I'm an IT Specialist working toward my masters degree, but my situation is that of a downward spiral where I cant afford to fix this problem due to a lack of money, and cant seem to get a decent job because of my appearances.

I'm willing to trade any of a number of services in exchange for free or low-cost reconstructive work, preferably implants.
I'm educated and experienced in various areas of computers and technology including Web Design, Networking, PC Hardware and Software Troubleshooting / Repair, Information Security, Billing and Accounting Systems, Server Systems, Programming, etc, etc, etc.
I am also willing to offer services outside of the IT scope, such as general labor, residential construction and business consultation, new business startups, electrical work, automotive repair (incl high-performance work), dog training, and photography.
I'm willing to do anything I'm knowledgeable and skilled in, really. Feel free to ask about other work I can do?

Any assistance either directly or by referral is GREATLY appreciated.

-DT

My daughter, Allisandra turned 3 on June 4th.  I took her for her first dental visit and was mortified to learn that she needed to go to a specialist due to the current damage.  The specialist (of course charged me an arm and a leg) has propsed an estimate for necessary tretment.  He took x-rays and extracted a tooth that had the root exposed for just under $600 (freezing and gas included).  The outstanding estimate to fix my daughters teeth is $4,700.00.  I was sure this rate was inflated so I took her to another specialist who provided me with an estimate over $5000.  I am in a comprimising position at this point because I can not afford her dental work but it is imparitive that I have the work done immediatly.  I am desperatly hoping and praying that some generous person out there will assist me (Melissa) with my daughters propsed denal work.  I can not even explain how much it would mean to me.

I just got a quote from another dentest and he wants $3606 - I'm so happy to have found a dentest that doesn't insist on overcharging me the only issue now is how I'm going to produce the funds necessary to pay from the proposed dental work.

I suffer from chronic pain, I have fibromalgia and many severe back problems. About 3 years ago, my doctor prescribed a medication to me called Actiq, it is a pain medication. This medication comes in the form of a lollipop.  Taking this medication over a period of three years, destroyed my teeth. I took very good care of my teeth during the time I was taking Actiq and did not have any serious dental problems before taking the Actiq.
The dentist informed me that it would cost me $25,000 dollars to have my teeth fixed. There is no way I can afford this. I am hoping to find a dentist that will fix my teeth at a reduced cost to donate dental services.
My damaged teeth is affecting my life in a very negative way. I am unable to smile without feeling very self-conscious. I have been trying to find employment, but I know that my not smiling and feeling so self-conscious has affect my ability to get a job. It has affected my social life. When I go out in public or meet someone new, I do not want to talk or smile because I am afraid they will see my teeth. Additionally, I suffer from infections in my teeth and severe pain from toothaches. It is very difficult to eat.
Please, if anyone knows of a dentist or agency that has reduced fees or will donate dental services, I would be very grateful.

I am a 52 year old woman with 9.5 teeth left, and those are loose.  I have applied for Social Security Disability.  I have a part-time job & cannot afford to get dental care.  I receive food stamps & have a clinic card.  With the clinic card I can get teeth extracted for $7.00 per tooth.  I can't afford THAT either.

I have contacted several low-cost dentist in my area and the extractions start at $55.00 per tooth.  Needless to say, I can't even come close to affording that.

I have run out of options.  It is to the point that I can barely eat anything because my mouth is sore & my gums are inflamed.  I live with an almost constant headache and have trouble sleeping.  I was hoping to use my income tax refund from 2006 to help me, but that was taken away because I owe money on a student loan.

I have been staying with a friend and I am wearing out my welcome since I don't make enough money to pay my share of the bills.  I no longer own a vehicle because it broke down & I couldn't afford to have it fixed.  I am getting desperate.

I am at my wits end.  I don't know what to do. Could you tell me if there is any way to get some assistance with this growing problem.

Sincerely,

Susan in Corpus Christi

wings2fly7608@peoplepc.com

im a 47 yearold women who has had several severe health problems which has deterorated my teeth. Presently i have lump in left breast with history of right breast cancer back in 1991. I have no medical insurance. Because of my teeth I have eating problems infection and serious self esteem issues. I have spent a lot of time volenteering my time to help the elderly with housework , yardwork cooking, laundry and whatever needs they have at no cost to them. I would be so very greatly appreciative if someone could assist me with this problem. God Bless

I am a 52 year old female that is living on $32.00 per day which is from the county for provided child care for my one year old grandson so that my daughter can go to school. I hope to get back into the work world in a few months when she has finished school but the way my teeth look I know that I do not have the confidence to go out there. I am not eligible for any kind of government help that I can find anyways and have no insurance of any kind.  I have not been able to afford to go to a dentist for several years now and I am in danger of losing the few teeth that I have left. I do have a partial plate on the top, but the three teeth of my own that remain have crowns that are around 20 years old. The crowns are receding far from my gums and one of the clamps on my partial is broken off. I have five teeth left on the bottom, all in the front, so it makes it very difficult to chew and my bottom teeth are pushing my own top teeth out of position. I desperately need some kind of financial help so that I can get these fixed.
Does anyone out there know of any resources that may be available to me that I have not found? PLEASE. I do not want to be one of those old people living out of dumpsters because for some reason or another they cannot afford the necessities of life. I only have 10 or 15 good working years left if I am lucky, but I need to have my teeth fixed first. I am desperate. Anybody PLEASE!!!
Thank you for the time you took to read this.   

I am a twenty-five year old single parent who is very much so, down on my luck. The past two years of trying to raise my three year-old daughter has been every bit of a living nightmare. Since we were evicted from our apartment over a year ago, we have been living place to place and living a, what most people would consider barely getting by.  From getting my car stolen and not having full coverage, to my house being robbed, to living with friends and relatives, to ultlmatly now only left with a decision between a homeless shelter and here and there.  I was attending a community college in the city where I live and riding the transit system in the winter to school, while trying to find a stable place to live began to be too much to handle.  I am now trying to get housing and financial assistance from government agencies to try and get back on my feet but it is the most difficult thing I have faced in my entire life with trying to care for my daughter. I have all the confidence in myself, initiative, any one person could have to be able to make it and be successful, I just need the resources and a break.  I would desperately like to be consedered for any help I could get at this time. I would live in the smallest apartment right now. Most of all, I would like another chance at my education and to pull myself out of this hole I've fallen into.