Dental OPTIONS Regional Referral Program

Dental OPTIONS is a program that links people in need of non-emergency, non-cosmetic dental care with dentists that have volunteered to treat pre-approved clients at a discounted price in the 14 northeast Ohio counties.  This means that the pre-approved clients is responsible to pay the discounted fees at the time of each service.  Under special circumstances, Dental OPTIONS may be able to provide donated services.  Children 19 years and younger should apply for Healthy Start & Healthy Families first, which is an Ohio program that provides free health coverage for those who qualify.

Should you have a dental emergency, there are safety net dental clinics in the community that are NOT affiliated with the Dental OPTIONS Program that you may try contacting.  These programs are clinics that usually offer sliding fee schedules.

Dental OPTIONS is always actively recruiting volunteer dentists to help improve access to good oral health.

  Who Qualifies?:

• Those who do NOT have any dental insurance, including Medicaid.
• Those with low household income.
• Those with few resources.

What Non-Emergency Services are Provided?:

• Fillings, Extractions of Teeth, Root Canals, Crowns, Gum Disease Treatment, Dentures, Partials, Medically Necessary Braces

What Services are NOT Provided?:

• Implants, Bridgework, All Cosmetic services including: teeth whitening, braces, veneers

How Do I Apply?:

• Download an application. 
  
• You may also call 1-888-765-6789 (toll-free) to receive an application through the mail.
• Clearly print in ink all required information on the application.
• Attach proof of household income, including income from all residents living in the home with you, such as W-2 Form, your last tax return, current benefit statement, or your two most recent pay stubs.  Proof of income will not be returned.
• Mail application to address provided on the top left corner of front page of application.
• Applicants will be notified through US mail of approval or denial

If I'm Approved, What are the Next Steps?:

• Applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the county you live in. Waiting lists vary by county and average anywhere from 2-16 months depending on your location.  If you are willing, you may travel to another county for faster service, please note so on your application.
• Once you reach the top of the waiting list, your case will be introduced to the next available dentist.
• You will be notified through mail of your assigned dentist's contact information.
• Please note that the goal of Dental OPTIONS is to provide services that will restore you back to good oral health.  Due to the demand of our program all cases can only remain active for up to three years. 
• Once your case is closed, you are not eligible to reapply to the program for three years from the date of your original application.
• Your final acceptance into the program is made after the first dental exam.
  

Contact Information: Please call or email  for additional information regarding the program:

links:

•  For tips to improve your oral health vist the American Dental Association.
  
• Ohio Dental Association