Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as a non-profit, donations to Empire State Wellness are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for details and retain your donation receipt.

We support U.S. veterans and first responders—individuals who have served our country and often face unmet dental needs due to limited resources or insurance gaps.

Our vision is to honor those who helped the country by providing dental care for extensive, uncovered treatments like implants and full-mouth reconstructions, ensuring dignity and health for our heroes.

You can donate online via our Donation page, mail a check to our address listed on our Contact page, or reach out for other options.

Your generous donation directly supports life-changing dental treatments for veterans and first responders, helping them regain their health and smiles after completion is confirmed.

Yes, our grants depend on donations. We offer full or partial grants based on available resources and treatment needs. Check current opportunities by contacting us.

Priority goes to veterans and first responders with urgent, extensive dental needs (e.g., missing teeth, severe decay) not covered by insurance, VA benefits, or other programs, especially those with lower incomes.

We prioritize extensive, uncovered treatments such as full-mouth reconstructions, dental implants, complex extractions, and root canals, based on medical necessity and funding availability.

Complete the application form on our 'Apply for Assistance' page with your personal details, dental needs, and income info. We’ll review it and request treatment details from your doctor.

After submission, we review your application within 7-10 business days. We’ll contact your doctor for a treatment plan and cost estimate. You’ll be notified of approval or denial.

You’ll receive confirmation. Treatment must be completed by the doctor who submitted the treatment plan, who can be any licensed dentist. We encourage using our Preferred Providers Network for negotiated discounts. Funds will be released to you after your doctor confirms completion, requiring your Social Security number for processing.

You’ll get an email explaining the reason (e.g., insufficient funds, ineligibility). You can reapply after 6 months or contact us for feedback.

Grant amounts depend on available funds and treatment cost, varying based on donation levels. Partial funding may require you to cover the remainder.

If costs exceed the grant, you’re responsible for the difference. We encourage negotiating with your Preferred Provider or seeking additional assistance.

Your doctor must confirm completion (e.g., treatment date, cost) before funds are released to you.

Yes, if you believe there was an error, contact us within 30 days with details. We’ll review and respond within 5 business days.

Submit proof of service (e.g., DD-214, badge ID), income verification (e.g., tax return), and any dental records via the application form’s upload field.

Treatment timelines depend on your doctor’s schedule, but funds are released within 5 business days of completion confirmation.

We encourage using our Preferred Providers Network, where dentists offer negotiated discounts. While treatment must be by the doctor who submitted the plan (any licensed dentist), Preferred Providers maximize your grant value.

Participating allows you to serve veterans and first responders with critical dental care, expand your patient base, and contribute to a noble cause.

As a participating doctor, you must agree to provide at least a 20% discount on services as part of the Preferred Provider agreement, treated as an in-kind contribution to support our mission.

Email us with your credentials, contact info, and willingness to treat our recipients. We’ll review and consider you for our network.

After a patient’s grant is approved, we’ll request a treatment plan and cost estimate. You’ll provide the treatment as outlined and confirm completion to enable fund release to the patient.

Payments are released to the approved applicant, not directly to you, only after you confirm treatment completion. The applicant provides their Social Security number for processing.

We encourage flexible payment plans or pro bono adjustments. Coordinate with the patient if needed.

To become a Preferred Provider, you must agree to provide at least a 20% discount on services as part of the agreement. Contact us to apply and join our network.

Partial release of awarded grants is possible for multi-step, multi-month treatments, released incrementally upon confirmation of each phase by you.