These programs run county by county, so a state marked open may still be closed where you live. The current status is below.
For ongoing care, North Carolina also has 99 community health center dental locations offering income-based fees.
Free Dental Care in North Carolina
Charitable programs covering North Carolina. Each publishes its own application status, and in several states that status is currently closed, so read it before you apply.
Donated Dental Services (DDS)
Operated by Dental Lifeline Network
Accepting in some counties onlyNorth Carolina applications
Only the counties listed on the program page are accepting applications. If yours is not on that list, this program cannot take you at present.
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 North Carolina knows the local picture
Free and charitable dental care is organized locally more often than nationally, by counties, state dental associations and individual charities. These are the offices most likely to know what currently runs in North Carolina.
- North Carolina state oral health program — the oral health office inside the state health department. It may provide information about school sealant programs and safety-net dental initiatives.
- Your county health department — local staff may know about free clinics and charitable dental events in the county.
- The North Carolina 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
Most people who find this page will not qualify, which is not a dead end. These are the options that do not depend on age or disability:
- 99 community health center dental locations — income-based fees for eligible patients.
- 3 dental schools — contact each school to confirm public clinic services, fees and appointments.
- 15 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.