Access To Care Program

Dental Care For Senior Citizens

Sponsored by the
Pennsylvania Dental Association
P.O. Box 3341 · Harrisburg, PA 17105
A constituent of the American Dental Association

     If you are 65 or older and on a low or fixed income, you may be eligible to receive professional dental care at a reduced cost.

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What is the Access to Care Program for Senior Citizens?

     The Access to Care Program offers reduced cost dental care to eligible senior citizens by dentists who are members of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, over 1700 of PDA members have volunteered to participate in this program.

What types of dental care are available through this program?

     Participating dentists have agreed to reduce their fees for all dental services. This includes examinations, cleaning, and all other dental procedures.

     We encourage eligible persons to take advantage of the program for regular preventive dental care. Regular dental care is necessary for everyone whether you have dentures or all or some of your natural teeth. Regular examinations are the best way to prevent potential dental health problems from developing.

Who is eligible to receive care through the Access to Care Program?

     In order to be eligible, a patient must:

• Be 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 $13,000 for a single person or less than $16,200 for a married couple.

How do I find a participating dentist?

     If you meet the guidelines and want to participate in the program, you must fill out an application and mail it in to the PA Dental Assoc. The applications are available at Senator Fumo's District Office, 1208 Tasker Street, Philadelphia. Or call the office at 215-468-3866 to request that an application be sent to you.

     You will be referred to a dentist in your area who is participating in the Access to Care Program. It is 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 Access to Care Program.

How much of a reduction will be granted?

     All dental fees differ, so reduced fees for patients in the Access to Care Program will also vary. However, all participating dentists have agreed to offer a discount from their usual fee for patients who meet the program's eligibility requirements. The minimum discount a patient can expect is 15 percent. Financial arrangements are handled privately between the patient and the dentist. The amount of the reduction and financial terms should be clearly understood by the patient and dentist prior to beginning treatment.

What is the quality of dental care?

     The dentist referred to you will provide the standard of dental care that has been established in his or her practice. You can expect the same care and courtesy that are part of the traditional dentist-patient relationship.

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Your oral health affects your entire life. Good nutrition, clear speech, and a pleasant appearance are important to your physical and mental well being. They depend on healthy teeth and gums.

Your dentist's goal is to help you keep your teeth for your entire life. Even if you should lose your natural teeth, your mouth will still need regular professional care.

If you wear dentures, your dentist is the only one qualified to provide denture services. Professional training enables a dentist to evaluate your total oral health and its relationship to your general health. In addition to a broad medical background, every dentist studies oral anatomy, facial structure, general and oral pathology, psychology, and dental materials. All of his or her experience is used to provide you with dental service.