Information for applicants
There are two ways to receive care through OPTIONS:
Donated Dental Services
Applicants must have no means to afford dental care (i.e., financial resources or access to private or public dental insurance) and must meet ONE of the following criteria:
- Over 65 years of age
- Permanently disabled
- Need medically necessary dental care
Discounted Dental Program
Applicants must have severe dental decay and/or infections and:
- Have limited resources to pay for discounted dental services
- Must fall within the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPL) of 161% to 200%
- Not have access to private or public dental insurance
- Must provide proof of income
What to expect?
- OPTIONS Volunteers provide comprehensive treatment to eligible patients
- Volunteers do not provide emergency services
- Volunteers do not provide cosmetic treatment
We are NOT accepting applications in the following counties. If your county is listed, we cannot accept your application at this time.
- Adams
- Athens
- Crawford
- Defiance
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Henry
- Logan
- Meigs
- Washington
- Williams
- Wyandot
If you have documentation from a physician stating that you cannot receive essential medical treatment due to your dental condition you can apply for the program even if your county is closed.
If you cannot complete an online application, you can call the DLN Coordinator listed to request a paper application be mailed to you.
Ohio Program Contact
Mick Mounsey, OPTIONS Coordinator
614.379.1115
614.810.4330 (fax)
dmounsey@dentallifeline.org
Dental Lifeline Network • Ohio
1800 15th Street, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
Information for Dentists
Dental OPTIONS – Ohio Partnership to Improve Oral Health through Access to Needed Services – is a program provided through a joint partnership between the ODA and the Ohio Department of Health, and operated by Dental Lifeline Network, that helps eligible, low-income uninsured adults in Ohio obtain access to dental care by linking them with volunteer dentists.
How to Become a Dental OPTIONS Provider
It’s easy to
join. You decide the number of patients to see each year and the frequency. You also decide whether to accept patients
eligible for donated or discounted care or both.
You do the
dentistry. A coordinator handles the paperwork and other administrative tasks
of the program, which can include:
- Handling preliminary phone
calls.
- Referring callers to other
community resources if not eligible for OPTIONS.
- Reviewing applications to
determine eligibility.
- Making initial contacts with the
dental office regarding the patient, working with patients to ensure
follow-through with care, and adherence with guidelines of the program.
- Collecting treatment values from
the dentist, and more.
You can
participate by providing care on a discounted fee or donated basis, or both.
For dentists who provide donated care:
- Laboratory fees for donated care
patients are covered through the OPTIONS program.
- Dentists who provide donated
treatment are eligible for up to one third (13 hours) of their Ohio State
Dental Board (OSDB) biennium CE requirement through volunteer CE at a rate
of one hour of clinical volunteer service equating to one CE credit hour.
As an
OPTIONS dentist, you will make a difference to someone in need in your
community!
“I am now the very proud and grateful owner of upper and lower partials that I am enjoying immensely. I am eternally grateful.”
– Terry, an Ohio patient
Volunteer Today!
Contact
1800 15th Street, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303.534.5360
Fax: 303.534.5290
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