Dental Program Overview

PROGRAM ON HOLD: New authorizations for routine/ preventative dental appointments are now on hold as all available funding has been authorized for 2024. If you would like a cleaning, please fill out the request below and you will be put on a waitlist should funds for preventative care (cleanings) become available before the end of the year. 

Please note: each visit to your dentist requires a new authorization in order to guarantee grant funds from HAAM to cover your appointment otherwise you will be responsible for payment at the HAAM discounted rate.

However, if you are experiencing pain, infection or impairment of dental functioning, please fill out the request at the bottom of the page and mark your request as urgent. 

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Oral hygiene and regular dental care are paramount to one’s overall health. Having access to the HAAM Dental Program gives musicians the ability to care for their oral health and prevent future health concerns. Not only does good oral health contribute to overall health, it also contributes to improved quality of life and a killer smile both on and off stage. The HAAM Dental Program is funded through a generous grant from the St. David’s Foundation and HAAM fundraising dollars. The goal of HAAM’s Dental Program is to provide preventive and restorative dental care to Austin’s professional musicians.

Dental Funding

  • Members have access to up to $600 of dental care to use at one of HAAM’s Dental Providers while funding remains. 

  • Grant funds are reserved for musicians without dental insurance.

  • To stretch grant funding dollars, we ask members to consider only requesting grant funds for one cleaning per year.

  • Funding renewals are determined by HAAM’s grant with the St. David’s Foundation. 

  • Funding has been secured for HAAM members to have up to a $600 allotment for use during a 12-month grant period between January 1st, 2024 and December 31st, 2024. 

  • Funds are available on a first come, first served basis while grant dollars last and any remaining authorizations not used by the member expire at the end of the 12-month grant period on December 31st, 2024 unless voided sooner due to no appointment being scheduled.

Member Responsibilities & Acknowledgements

  • Public Health Dental Care: The HAAM Dental Program covers public health dental procedures aimed to promote oral health and prevent disease. The HAAM Dental program does not cover cosmetic work. 

  • Copay: HAAM Members are responsible for paying a $10 co-pay at each visit. 

  • HAAM Members shall be respectful of the HAAM Dental provider office by keeping and being on time for their appointments. Late arrival or late cancellations for appointments may subject the HAAM Member to fees as determined by the HAAM Dental Provider office. HAAM Members with repeated missed appointments and late cancellations may lose the opportunity to participate in the HAAM Dental Program. 

  • Should a HAAM Member require dental work beyond the scope of practice of the HAAM Dental Provider, they will reach back out to HAAM to request specialty dental referrals within the HAAM network. 

  • Should a HAAM Member need treatment that exceeds the $600 limit, they may consider applying for MusiCares, which provides grants to help musicians in financial need. 

  • HAAM Members are encouraged to reach out to HAAM Dental Program staff at dental@myhaam.org for additional resources.

Authorization for HAAM Dental benefits is a two-part process:

Members must follow both of these steps every time they make an appointment to ensure funding is available and approved prior to their appointment: 

1. REQUEST FUNDING by filling out the Dental Authorization Request Form (below). HAAM staff will process requests within two business days and send an authorization email to both the HAAM Member and the HAAM Dental Provider with the remaining amount of the member's dental funding.

2. Schedule dental appointments. Once a member receives the funding authorization email, they can make an appointment with the assigned HAAM Dental Provider. HAAM will include the assigned HAAM Dental Provider’s contact information in the email.

*If your request is urgent, please indicate so in the request form below. We will respond as quickly as possible during working hours, but please seek immediate medical attention if you are bleeding or in severe pain. 

** Please note, without a prior authorization email, members are at risk of being charged for all dental services received! **

If you have questions or are experiencing issues submitting a request, please email dental@myhaam.org.

Taking Care of Your Oral Health:

We all know how important preventive dental care is for our oral health. Neglecting caring for your teeth can affect your overall health and cause tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and even contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and strokes (Mayo Clinic).

Taking care of your teeth:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes–don’t forget your tongue

  • Floss daily with floss or a water flosser

  • Make sure you are flossing correctly and going all the way to the base of your teeth

  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste

  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months

Did you know that a study has found that for adults that don’t have periodontal disease, one yearly cleaning is enough? Researchers found that one yearly cleaning as compared to two cleanings every 6 months did not have an impact on tooth loss for adults at low risk. So if you are at low risk, just get to the dentist once early in the year!