Local Start Dental is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dental clinic that uses a unique service-training model to provide reduced-cost dentures (with and without dental implant therapy) for low-income adults, including veterans, seniors, the disabled, homeless and the uninsured.

Our 5,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art dental clinic is conveniently located in downtown Durham, NC. The clinic is next to Durham’s downtown bus station and regional transportation hub on the street level of the Willard Street Apartments, a Self-Help Credit Union affordable housing project. While the clinic is located in Durham, we welcome patients from all of the 100 counties in North Carolina. To date, we have seen patients from 50 out of the 100 counties in the state. Take a Virtual Clinic Tour Address: 370 Jackson Street Durham, NC 27701

Patients are screened by either the referring agencies or Local Start Dental to ensure they meet the income and health standards necessary to receive treatment. We are committed to providing care for all patients, no matter their financial background, those with limited access to dental care, and those who have their general dentistry needs taken care of but are looking for specialized tooth replacement treatment.

Local Start has a comprehensive application process that requires proof of household income. Please bring identification and proof of household income to your initial appointment in order to apply.

There is a huge gap in service options for disadvantaged adults who are missing some or all of their teeth, and we are working in collaboration with others in the community to fill that gap: Seniors disproportionately experience periodontal disease and tooth loss, which can lead to malnutrition and more severe health problems as their ability to eat diminishes. Durham’s VA Hospital Dental Clinic must send 4,000 or more patients back to the community for care each year when it reaches capacity. For many of these patients, particularly those in need of extensive dental restoration, it can be challenging to find local dentists who will accept VA benefits. Additionally, not all veterans covered by the VA Health Plan are eligible for dental care, and 54% of veterans are not enrolled in the VA Health Plan at all. In North Carolina, 42% of veterans are older than 65, and 40% have a household income below $50,000, making major dental care a significant expense. Four other non-profit dental clinics in Durham are able to treat about 4,000 low-income patients annually. However, they are unable to treat those needing dentures and other tooth replacement services, which they do not offer. Durham Health Department dentists serve only children and pregnant women. Social service organizations throughout the Triangle serve thousands of clients each year who are dealing with substance abuse recovery, homelessness, disability, and lack of employment. Many of these clients require significant dental care. While Local Start Dental cannot eliminate poverty or reduce opioid abuse in our region, we can, over time, help those who need advanced dental care to improve their health and increase their chances of successful employment and self-sufficiency.

We offer flexible payment plans through partners like Proceed Finance, Healthcare Finance Direct, and CareCredit, accept qualified Medicaid plans and VA benefits, and provide sliding scale fees for those who qualify based on household income.

Absolutely not. Our nonprofit status allows us to offer reduced pricing without compromising on quality. Our experienced dental professionals use advanced technology and techniques to provide excellent care. The only difference is our mission to make this care accessible to everyone.

Many of our patients don't have dental insurance. Our sliding scale fee program and payment plans are specifically designed to help uninsured patients access affordable dental care. Our goal is to ensure that lack of insurance never prevents someone from receiving the quality dental care they deserve.