Nonprofit Orthodontic Services for Children: Eligibility, Costs, and How to Apply
There are a few non-profit organizations that offer full or partial coverage of orthodontic treatment for children under the age of 18 years old. Keep reading below to see if your child or teen may qualify!
Smiles Change Lives (SCL)
Cost: After filling out an initial questionnaire to determine if you qualify, there is then a $30 application fee. If you are selected, there is then a $650 program fee.
How to Qualify: The initial questionnaire ensures the child is between 7-18 years old, has good oral hygiene, and has no untreated cavities. The child must have a “moderate to severe” need for orthodontic treatment, and must not be wearing braces currently. Financial qualifications for the SCL program vary with geographic location and are based on taxable income. There is a questionnaire on their website that allows you to quickly determine if you financially qualify based on the number of people in your household and the city you live in.
Application Process:
General application form
“About me” page filled out by the child
Photos of the child’s teeth
Tax form
Letters of support (optional)
$30 application fee
Additional Information: There is a lengthy waiting list for SCL, so getting a provider may take some time. Additionally, SCL only provides braces, not Invisalign.
Smile for a Lifetime
Smile for a Lifetime is a nationwide charitable nonprofit that helps make orthodontic care accessible to children in low-income families and those in special circumstances, such as foster care.
Cost: There is a fee of $20 to apply. After applying, you have 30 days to provide all necessary documentation (proof of income, current report card, student essay, complete application). Once the application has been reviewed and a participating orthodontist is assigned, a final payment of $480 will be charged. After that, all treatment is of no cost.
How to Qualify: This program is for children between the age of 8-18 years old, currently not wearing braces or a retainer, have good dental hygiene, enrolled in school with a C average GPA or above, have a social impediment or moderate/severe need for braces, and have a family income that meets the financial guidelines listed in the table below.
Application Process:
Application form and $20 fee
Record of Account Transcript from IRS
Federal Tax Return from both parents
Dental Clearance Form
Photos of child’s teeth taken from your phone
Story as to why child should receive the scholarship
Recent report card showing C average GPA or above
Children in foster care:
a letter showing the child is in state custody
a copy of the child’s state medical card and medical consent form.
Foster parents are not required to submit proof of income but will need to provide legal documentation that the child is actively in foster care.
Additional Information: The wait time to be paired with an orthodontist is typically 6-12 months and can depend on your location.
Gifted Smiles
Gifted Smiles is a program of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) that provides necessary orthodontic treatments to children of families who lack access to care.
How to Qualify:
18 years old or younger
Have not previously received orthodontic treatment
Are not currently undergoing orthodontic treatment
Receive regular dental care and have good oral hygiene
Total family income 200% of the poverty level or less (see chart below).
Application Process: Send the program a message on their website to find out more. Click here.