Dental Care Services 

How to Find Dental Care 
Customers who participated in the 1997 Emergency Food Needs Assessment Customer Survey responded that finding dental care is of great concern. Generally, dental offices in communities around Michigan decide for themselves how they will respond to low-income customers on the doorstep. If the customer’s financial situation is too limited for the dental office to work with, frequently the advice to the low-income customer is to call the health department or to call the Family Independence Agency (FIA). The local FIA and especially the local health department are often perceived by other agencies as the best starting point for the low-income customer seeking dental care services. Some county health departments have private dental clinics; others are in the process of privatizing their dental services. The Michigan Dental Association also provides helpful information that may lead to dental care referrals for some specific low-income customer populations in Michigan. 

The Michigan Dental Association maintains an alphabetical listing (by county) of dental access programs in Michigan. The directory is updated approximately every two years and lists addresses, phone numbers and contact persons for dental services programs in each county. Information includes target audiences, type of care provided, additional services, counties served and primary location of dental services. The directory is available in the Hunger Toolbox (not yet available on the Web site version) at the local Extension office and the Community Action Agency office. 

Statewide Dental Care Programs 
   Michigan Donated Dental Services Program 
This program is directed toward permanently disabled, chronically ill or frail elderly persons in need of extensive dental work they cannot afford. The program provides comprehensive dental care through the course of treatment plan. Additional services include laboratory services and referrals to specialists as indicated and as available in the program. All Michigan counties are served excluding Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. The primary location of this program is private dental offices of participating and volunteering dentists. Contact Wanda Kester, program coordinator, for more information at 800-255-7543 or 517-347-5249. Or write to PO Box 946, Okemos, Michigan 48805. 

   Michigan Dental Association Senior-Dent Program 
This program is directed toward people who are 65 or on Social Security disability, have no dental insurance through a private carrier, have no dental coverage through Medicaid, and have individual income below $14,490 annually or two-person income of $20,060 annually. The program provides a full range dental services, excluding full denture. Additional services include reduced fees. The program is state wide with primary locations in private practice offices. For more information contact Stephanie Hasley at 800-589-2632 or write to 230 N Washington Square, Suite 208, Lansing, Michigan 48933-1392. 

   PAEDS 
Michigan Dental Association Professionally Acceptable Economy Denture Service (PAEDS) is directed to individuals in need of full dentures. Additional services include reduced fees. The program is state wide with primary locations in private practive offices. For more information contact Stephanie Hasley at 800-589-2632 or write to 230 N Washington Square, Suite 208, Lansing, Michigan 48933-1392. 

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