SMILE ON 65+, a statewide oral health program for older adults funded through a grant contract with the state of Tennessee and Interfaith Dental, has launched in partnership with over 20 dental clinics across the state providing oral health care services and case management to older adults in need. Services will be available at the newly opened dental health clinic at the Smith County Health Department.
SMILE ON 65+ removes barriers to affordable dental care for income-constrained older adults. Oral health for seniors in Tennessee is among the worst in the nation and we do not have a safety net health insurance program for older adults who can’t afford private dental insurance. SMILE ON 65+ identifies these adults who need a dental home and connects them to oral healthcare they can afford, ultimately alleviating the pain, embarrassment, and health risks caused by untreated oral decay and disease. Those who may qualify for SMILE ON 65+ are a minimum of 65 years old; a Tennessee state resident; mobile (able to self-transport or receive transport to clinic); have a household income level below 200% poverty and be dentally uninsured. The program covers many common dental procedures including cleaning, extractions, fillings, and dentures for a $25 per visit facility fee. Assistance with transportation may be provided based on need.
While Interfaith Dental serves as the lead agency, they have 20 dental provider partners with more than 30 locations. The program plans to add more dental providers and continue building the network across the state.
For more information, visit www.smileon65plus.com or call the hotline at 1-800-509-6055. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee. 
