Programs that link people who have dental care needs but have neither the resources nor the insurance to cover the services with dentists who are willing to donate their time and expertise.

Programs that provide immediate, short-term assistance for people who have lost a filling, broken or lost a tooth or dental prosthesis or who have other dental emergencies and are unable to wait for treatment on an appointment basis.

Programs that provide primary oral health care for patients of all ages. General dentists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of specialized services related to the patient's oral health needs. Services generally include an oral health history, preventive dental cleanings, dental radiographs, oral cancer screening, an examination of the teeth to detect tooth decay or other problems, a periodontal examination to detect gum disease, dental restorations (e.g., fillings, crowns and implants), cosmetic dentistry, and other procedures such as fluoride treatment.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

Diseases or other pathological conditions of the teeth, gums or oral cavity.

Individuals or families whose annual income is between 150 and 200% of poverty level for their family size.

People whose annual income is within the federal poverty level guidelines which vary according to family size and are revised annually.

Individuals and families who have no fixed, regular and adequate residence, who are residing temporarily with relatives or friends or who live on the street, in emergency or transitional shelters, in a hotel or motel paid for with a shelter voucher, in seriously substandard housing or in an abandoned building, place of business, car or other vehicle, or other public or private place that is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for people. Some people who are homeless have issues with substance abuse, chronic or severe mental illness, chronic unemployment or underemployment, or other problems that prevent them from obtaining housing.