Dental Lifeline Network of Iowa
The Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provides free, comprehensive dental treatment to our country’s most vulnerable people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile. These are people who cannot afford necessary treatment and cannot get public aid. The program operates through a volunteer network of more than 15,000 dentists and 3,500 dental labs across the United States.
DDS provides comprehensive treatment to eligible patients in Iowa. Applicants must lack adequate income to pay for dental care and have a permanent disability or be age 65 or older or qualify as medically fragile. To learn more or apply for help in Iowa, visit the DDS website.
Medicaid / CHIP Information in Iowa
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide no-cost or low-cost health coverage for eligible children in Iowa. These programs provide health coverage for children so that they can get routine check-ups, immunizations and dental care to keep them healthy.
Even if your child has been turned down in the past or you don't know if they qualify, you may be able to get health coverage now. Learn more.
Medicaid in Iowa
- Medicaid Program Information
- Apply for Medicaid (Or call 1-855-889-7985 to talk to someone about Medicaid in Iowa.)
CHIP in Iowa
- Hawki Program Information
- Apply for Hawki (Or call 1-800-257-8563 to talk to someone about CHIP in Iowa.)
Medicaid/CHIP Dental Care in Iowa
Medicaid and CHIP also cover dental care for children. Once your child has coverage use the tools below to find dental care in Iowa:
Veterans Trust Fund Assists Veterans with Receiving Dental Care
The VA offers comprehensive dental care benefits to certain qualifying Veterans. Local VA offices are able to determine if one qualifies for dental services directly from the VA dental clinic. A veteran needs to be 100% disabled and/or have an injury directly correlated to their service. The treatment provided at the VA clinic is at no cost to the veteran.
The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund is an account set up to help provide benefits to qualifying veterans and their spouses if getting direct treatment from the VA dental clinic is not an option. To qualify for the trust fund an applicant's income cannot exceed 200% of poverty guidelines and they cannot have more than $15,000 of liquid assets. Additionally, veterans need to have a dental examination and treatment plan to submit an application for the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund.
Most veterans applying for trust fund benefits cannot afford the exam and treatment plan fee. The prescribing dentist usually does the exam at no charge or includes an examination fee into the treatment plan for reimbursement. Qualified veterans are allowed up to $2,500 of dental treatment in a 12-month period.
Applications are reviewed once a month by the Iowa Commission of Veteran Affairs. Once a decision is made, the commission notifies the applicants with their decision and instructions on how to proceed. Payment is made directly to the dental provider for needs not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, insurance or the VA.
If you have a patient that may qualify for this assistance, please consider having them complete an application.