Glossary

Dental
Section E

High-quality, low-cost dental health services for qualified youth. Eligibility guildelines include determination of income levels, and no dental insurance. Clients enrolled in Healthy Kids* are eligible. Available from the Macomb County Health Department* - at their Dental Clinic, Warren, (586) 573-2096.

One-time donated dental care for low income elderly aged 62 and older and disabled. Applicants must complete an application and are put on a waiting list (about 2 – 6 months). Qualified individuals are treated at no cost; however, people who can pay for part of their care may be encouraged to do so, especially when lab work is involved. Medicaid recipients can receive help only with a written statement from their Medicaid dentist recommending treatment for a non-covered service.

Donated Dental services for people with physical and mental disabilities who cannot afford needed dental treatment matches qualified persons with volunteer dentists. Services are donated in the dentist’s office. Qualified applicants must be permanently disabled, critically ill or elderly. Each person’s condition must be severe enough to prohibit or significantly limit gainful employment. In addition, they cannot afford dental care on their own, have any other resources available to get treatment, and need extensive treatments, not just a cleaning and check-up. A referral coordinator screens each applicant. For more information, contact the Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (800) 766-4466 (Denver, Colorado).

Assistance for dental emergencies for homeless persons who have no insurance and may make co-pays for other dental programs. “Homeless” includes shelters, transitional housing and those doubling up with others. Available from Downriver Community Services, (810) 794-4982 or (810) 734-4081.

Dental Discount Program for all Macomb County residents and their dependents. The cost is $69 per year. Plan members receive discount of 20%-60% on dental procedures. For more information, call Senior Citizen Services, (586) 469-6313 or got to:  macombcountymi.gov/discountdental.

Dentists who take Medicaid. The Medicaid HMOs do not provide dental services. Medicaid recipients can use their plastic Medicaid card to go to dentists who take Medicaid. Questions about Medicaid-covered services can be answered at (800) 642-3195. For a referral to a dentist who accepts Medicaid, call the Tri-County Dental Health Council at (248) 559-7767 or the Macomb Dental Society, (586) 677-9187.

Full range of dental services at about 1/3 of private practice rates and will accept Medicaid. A cleaning is $34. Each appointment is about 3 hours long. Available from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, (734) 763-6933.

Dental services (extractions, root canals, veneers, invisalign, braces, and “complete smile makeovers.”) and accepting most insurances, Medicaid, and a sliding fee scale (with prior authorization from Downriver Community Services and only for residents of New Haven, Lenox, Ray Township). Available at New Haven Medical Center, 58144 Gratiot, New Haven, MI, Suite 316. For more information, call Quality Dental Associates, (586) 749-3333.

Full range of dental services at about 25% - 50% less than regular dental offices. First visit is $35 which includes full mouth dental x-rays. Available from the U of D Dental Clinic, (313) 494-6700.

Low cost oral surgery (about $35 - $45 for extractions) accepts Medicaid, prior payment is required. Available from St. John Riverview Hospital in Detroit, (313) 499-4190.

Routine dental care for children and adults at costs which are significantly below standard fees.  Services are provided by students at the clinic, who are working under direct supervision of dentists and dental hygienists.  Appointments are available to anyone in the community.  Because it is a teaching environment, it is suggested that children should be at least three years old. In the event that a needed procedure is beyond the scope of the clinic, appropriate referrals are made.  Clinic hours vary by semester.  For more information, call Baker College of Auburn Hills (248) 276-6664.