As you've probably already learned, Medicare does not cover dental care. But if you have low income and few savings or other assets (not counting your house), you might qualify for Medicaid. And in some states, Medicaid covers dental care as well as medical care.

To find out whether Medicaid in your state covers dental care, and how to apply for Medicaid coverage, contact a local Medicaid office. To find a local Medicaid office near you, phone the Eldercare Locator toll-free at 800-677-1116, or online you can go to any search engine and type in "Medicaid" and the name of your state.

If you don't qualify for Medicaid, or if your state's Medicaid program doesn't cover dental care, you might contact your state or county dental association or dental society. You can find them listed in the business section of your telephone directory, or you can go to an online search engine and enter "dental association" and the name of your state or county. These associations of dentists often have referral services, and they may be able to refer you to a program that provides low-cost dentistry to people with low incomes.