Dental Programs for all Needs and Ages A number of programs administered by the state of NJ or by non-profit organizations are available to assist the public in finding dental care.
These listings are provided as a service and do not imply endorsement of any particular program or practitioner.
Dental Clinics in New Jersey
The NJ Dental Clinic Directory created by the state of New Jersey provides a central source of information on public dental clinics and services in New Jersey. These clinic services are primarily provided by local health departments, hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
The dental clinic directory is designed to assist people who have difficulty accessing appropriate dental care due to insurance or financial constraints. Many of the clinics have financial and/or residency requirements. When calling for an appointment, patients should ask about required documentation regarding income or residency.
Give Kids A Smile
What is Give Kids A Smile?
Through the ADA Foundation's Give Kids A Smile program, launched nationally by the American Dental Association in 2003, more than 5 million underserved children have received free oral health services. These free services are provided by approximately 10,000 dentists annually, along with 30,000 other dental team members.
Each year, here in NJ, more than 100 dental practices and clinics participate in this one-day event. In 2021, Give Kids A Smile day is Friday, February 5.
Give Kids A Smile began in 2002 in St. Louis, Missouri. Each year Give Kids A Smile day is celebrated nationally on the first Friday in February. GKAS events are intended to be touch points for children who do not receive dental care, for whatever reason. The ultimate goal for a GKAS program should be to establish a dental home for these children - in other words, provide continuity of care.
NJDA Senior-Dent Program
The purpose of this program is to increase the access to dental care for seniors. To be eligible, you need to be age 65 or older or between ages 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits; and your income for 2023 is less than $42,142 if single or less than $49,209 if married.
Participating dentists will provide a 15% discount of his/her fee to you. Please bring your PAAD card with you.
Dental Treatment for the Homebound
Many conditions, ailments and diseases leave patients unable to leave their homes. These patients continue to need denture adjustments, cleanings, and other routine dental care, but are unable to make it out of their house to be driven to a dental office.
Homebound Visiting Dentist List
Please note: The individual dental office fees will apply and, in some cases, a house call fee may apply.
Donated Dental Services of New Jersey
Services
- DDS volunteers provide comprehensive treatment to eligible patients
- Volunteers do not provide emergency services
Eligibility
Applicants must lack adequate income to pay for dental care and:
- Have a permanent disability, or
- Are elderly: age 65 or older, or
- Qualify as medically fragile
Special Needs Dentistry
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Visit the school's web page to learn more about their services available to special needs patients.
Resources compiled by Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks has a search feature to help families find appropriate services in their area. Please note: NJDA provides this link as a service and does not endorse any particular program or practitioner.
Donated Orthodontic Services
The New Jersey Association of Orthodontists participates in the New Jersey Donated Orthodontic Services (DOS) program sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists. The program is designed to help patients who need orthodontic care but cannot afford it.
Participating Orthodontics in New Jersey volunteer to help one or more disadvantaged child who do not qualify for other assistance programs or who are encountering financial distress and cannot obtain needed orthodontic care. No orthodontic fees will be charged to families who qualify.
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM)
The Rutgers School of Dental Medicine is located at 110 Bergen Street in Newark. According to the clinic website:
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) provides a full range of oral health services while training the next generation of dentists. At our clinics, we offer high-quality care at rates much lower than private practices, but services are not free. RSDM accepts Medicaid plans, but we do not accept private insurance.
Dental Hygiene Clinics
The NJ Dental Hygienists' Association (NJDHA) represents registered dental hygienists across the state. The NJDHA also lists hygiene schools that offer low-cost clinics, where patients can receive cleanings, x-rays and information about referral to a dentist, if needed.
Veterans Smile Day
The "Veterans Smile Day" mission is to provide free dental care and support to our military veterans as our small way of thanking them for their service. Our hope is that in the process, veteran’s will find a permanent dental home for themselves and their families.
Smiles For Our Heroes
Smiles For Our Heroes is a two-day event providing free dental care to eligible vets and their families. This program is sponsored by Zufall Health, Delta Dental of NJ, and the NJDA. The week-end brings together volunteer dental professionals who perform dental services ranging from cleanings to extractions and dentures.
Dental Lifeline Network
The NJDA and the ADA are proud to support this program spearheaded by our strategic partner Dental Lifeline Network (DLN). As a member of our community, please consider volunteering and donate comprehensive treatment to at least one patient with special needs each year. Volunteering is easy and the patients come to your office.
