Children and young adults with disabilities from low-income families may be eligible for free dental care through a program coordinated by The University of Iowa. The program, called Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities, is administered by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, the UI Center for Disabilities and Development, and the Iowa Department of Public Health. Gayle Gilbaugh, with the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Center for Disabilities and Development, talks about the program:
What is the program called and when does it start?
The program is called Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities, and actually it's been in existence since 1983 and we've been able to help more than 3,000 Iowa children and young adults with the program. We do take applications on a year-round basis.
Who qualifies for free dental care through this program?
It's for Iowa residents under 21 years of age, for children and young adults). They must be from a family whose income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. So that would be, for a family of four, less than $40,000 a year. They have to have a disability or special health care need—either a physical, emotional, or developmental disability.
Do families with any form of dental insurance—including Medicaid or Hawk-I—qualify for this program?
No, they don't qualify for the program because they do have other dental resources with private insurance, or both Medicaid and Hawk-I do provide for dental treatment.
What does the program cover, at no cost, to persons who are eligible?
The program covers preventive care such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, flouride treatments—and then it also provides for restorative treatment.
Is there a limit of funding for each person that qualifies for the program?
Yes, there is a limit of $300 per person per year. On a case-by-case basis, we are able to increase that if there are extensive needs.
Can a qualifying person be seen every year in the program, or is the dental clinic just for this year?
Yes, we hope to get people involved in preventive maintenance of every six months. We send renewal applications to our participants once a year and then they can—maybe circumstances have changed for them but if not—go to the dentist for visit every six months.
Can participants go to their local dentist, or do they need to travel to Iowa City for their dental care?
It is a statewide program and we have participating dentists in the program in 28 cities and towns throughout the state. Treatment can be provided in Iowa City or any of the other locations. People send in an application form, and receive a letter telling them they qualify for the program, and I refer them to a dentist closest to them to schedule an appointment.
If someone wanted to learn more about this program, whom should they contact?
Call me, Gayle Gilbaugh, at 319-356-1513. I'm happy to talk to families and help them if they may be eligible for the program.
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