Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQ is provided to assist you with the most common and frequently asked questions about the Emergency Dental Care Program.

What is the Dental Assistance Program?

The CEDA CSBG Emergency Dental Care Program is designed to assist income-eligible individuals with no dental health coverage, residing in Suburban Cook County access emergency dental service with a voucher with a value up to $1,000 per household.

The goal of this program is to help individuals and families avoid further health complications and financial crisis as well as remove barriers to accessing or sustaining employment. This assistance is funded via CEDA’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).

What is considered a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies are those that cause extreme pain, bleeding and/or infection, difficulty chewing, eating or speaking. Under most circumstances, it does not cover preventative or routine dental procedures nor does it cover any cosmetic procedures unless the procedure will be for the replacement or repair of missing, broken or decayed front teeth, which may prevent an individual from keeping or finding employment.

Who is eligible for the Dental Assistance Program?

Any Suburban Cook County resident living in a household that is determined to meet income eligible guidelines that is without dental health coverage or the means to address a dental emergency.

How will an individual/family know if they are eligible?

An individual or family can meet with a CSBG staff member to discuss their emergency dental care needs and complete an intake that will determine income eligibility and verification of residency.

What documents do I need to bring to apply for this service?

In order to apply for this service you will need to bring:

• Your driver’s license or state issued ID;
• social security cards for each person in the household;
• proof of income for the three (3) months prior to intake date (for all household members 18 and older);
• a utility bill as proof of residence, if ID does not match your current address.

How long will it take to know if I am able to receive the service and get a voucher?

Once an intake is complete with all required documents presented by the individual and or household, the determination takes about one business day or 24 hours. If approved the voucher is typically available in two business days or 48 hours.

What does the voucher cover?

The voucher will cover dental procedures associated with the treatment of the dental emergency presented at the time of the request for service up to $1,000. This will include the first dental visit to determine the exact emergency care required, including x-rays.

If someone else in my household needs emergency dental services, can they also use the same voucher?

Emergency Dental Care Vouchers are issued for only one individual per voucher. If someone else in the household requires emergency dental care, the CSBG staff member should be contacted to determine eligibility for a separate voucher. The entire household collectively cannot exceed $1,000 in emergency care.

Who can provide the dental services I need?

Any dentist currently licensed and located in the State of Illinois willing to provide emergency services to a recipient.

Can I use my own dentist?

Yes, as long as your dentist is licensed and located in the State of Illinois.

What if I do not have a dentist?

We can provide you with a list of dentists providing care in your community.

What if the dentist cannot see me right away for an appointment?

Contact the CSBG Program Specialist you worked with to discuss the matter, they will be able to assist you in locating another dental provider.

How long do I have to get my dental work completed?

You must schedule and see the dentist within 14 days of the date of your voucher. All related dental care associated with your emergency dental event must be completed within 45 days of the date of the voucher.

What if I do not set an appointment within 14 days of receiving my dental care voucher?

Vouchers are no longer valid after 14 days and automatically cancel. If your emergency need still exists and you have not yet seen a dentist you should contact the Program Specialist that assisted you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to determine what can be done to help you.

Will I have to pay anything?

As long as the services you receive are associated with the emergency event the voucher specifies and the services do not exceed $1,000 you will not be required to pay anything. However, if the services you require for emergency care exceed $1,000 you will need to make acceptable payment arrangements for the balance with your dental care provider prior to beginning any dental work. The CSBG Emergency Dental Care Program must authorize this arrangement before the voucher can be used.

Can I use a coupon or “special” advertised by the dentist with this voucher?

If a dentist issues coupons or advertises a special for the same services you require and at the same time you acquire services, we ask that dentists honor those coupons prior to applying the voucher. We cannot guarantee this will be the case and certainly encourage you to discuss this with the dentist prior to beginning services.

What if the dentist does not charge the exact amount of the voucher?

The amount of the voucher is not necessarily the amount your services will cost. Any balance that is unused up to $1,000 is available to you or another member of your household should the need arise and as long as the household and services are determined to be eligible before November 30, 2012.

Will I need to use my Medicare, public aid or my private health insurance to cover any of the cost?

Yes. If you have dental or health care insurance coverage and you have been determined eligible for this Emergency Dental Care voucher, your dental provider will still need to file your insurance prior to being able to apply the voucher in the event the emergency is covered by your health insurance.

What if I cannot pick up my voucher from the CSBG staff within 3 days?

Due to the nature of this program as an “emergency” assistance service and the high demand for service all vouchers must be retrieved in 3 days, if not the voucher will be cancelled. If you are unable to retrieve your voucher in this time period and still have an emergency need, you should contact the Program Specialist that assisted you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to see what can be done to assist you.

What will I need to present to the dentist at my first visit?

You will need to bring your Emergency Dental Care Voucher and photo identification such as driver’s license, school ID, or State issued ID.

What if it takes more than one dental office visit to complete my dental procedure?

Depending on the service required, it is possible your dental emergency will not be taken care of in one visit. There is no problem, as long as all related emergency dental care is completed within 45 days of the date of your Emergency Dental Care voucher.

What if I lose the voucher?

Immediately contact the CSBG Program Specialist to report the loss of your voucher and seek a replacement voucher.

How many times can I use my voucher?

A voucher is valid for only one emergency event per person.

What happens after I receive my dental service?

Please call the CSBG Program Specialist that assisted you to report your dental care is complete. You will also receive follow-up contact from CSBG to inquire about your needs and progress. From time to time, we ask recipients about the quality of customer service and care received throughout this process so that we can ensure the highest level of service and we appreciate your feedback.

How often can I apply for Emergency Dental Services?

Service availability is dependent upon funding. Individuals that have received assistance in a calendar year and exhausted the $1,000 cap in services must wait until the next calendar year to apply for services.