Availability can differ by county and changes as waiting lists fill. Check the current California status below before applying.
For ongoing care, California also has 613 community health center dental locations offering income-based fees.
Free Dental Care in California
The charitable dental programs that name California in their service area, and whether each is currently taking applications. Waiting lists close without much notice.
Donated Dental Services (DDS)
Operated by Dental Lifeline Network
Closed to new applicationsCalifornia applications
Closed statewide. Waiting lists have closed every county to new applications. Applying now will not get you seen — the options further down this page are the realistic route.
Check the program page for the current county list and application instructions.
Who qualifies: no way to afford care, and aged 65 or over, permanently disabled, or in need of medically necessary dental care. Not covered: emergencies and cosmetic work. Full description of the program.
Who in California knows the local picture
What exists in California beyond the programs above is usually known locally and not published. These are the places worth calling.
- California state oral health program — this office exists, but the link published for it no longer resolves. Search the California department of health for “oral health”, or call the department’s main line and ask for the oral health program.
- Your county health department — local staff may know about free clinics and charitable dental events in the county.
- The California dental association — state dental associations may organize one-day charitable events under names such as Mission of Mercy and Give Kids A Smile. Services and eligibility vary by event.
- The NAFC free clinic finder — member free and charitable clinics nationally, some of which offer dental care.
If this program cannot take you
If you do not meet the age or disability criteria, or you need work these programs exclude, the routes below are the practical ones:
- 613 community health center dental locations — income-based fees for eligible patients.
- 7 dental schools — contact each school to confirm public clinic services, fees and appointments.
- 26 dental hygiene programs — contact each program to confirm public preventive care appointments.
- The NAFC free clinic finder — member free and charitable clinics nationally, some offering dental care.
- Your state dental association, which may list upcoming charitable dental events.
None of the programs here handle emergencies. Anything you think may be an emergency belongs in an emergency room. For pain without those signs, see which door to use when you cannot pay.