Dental care is expensive.
However, dental schools and community centers can be great ways to save money on dental care if you don’t have insurance. You can also opt into a dental discount plan to get lower fees.
No matter your financial situation, your oral health matters. As the Roman poet Virgil rightly said, “The greatest health is wealth.”
So, if cost has always deterred you from seeing the dentist, find out where to get affordable dental care below.
Why is Dental Care So Important?
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. But it doesn’t end in your mouth.
Studies suggest gum disease is associated with:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Respiratory disease
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
So you want to do your best to keep gum disease and other dental issues at bay.
Even though regular brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent dental issues, the American Dental Organization recommends a professional checkup at least once a year for proper screening.
But let’s face it, that doesn’t come cheap.
The Cost of Dental Care Without Insurance
The cost of dental care varies by location and the specific procedure. While routine dental cleaning and exams cost around $200 without insurance, metal crowns can run between $500 and $1,500. Dentures range from $1,000 to $3,000, while dental implants average $5,000.
If you live in a city with high living costs, expect to pay more than someone in a more modest location. For example, veneers cost around $1,687 in Tampa but go as high as $2,800 in Manhattan.
Few uninsured Americans can afford such prices. About 69% of Americans aged 44 have lost a tooth, and more than 25% have dental decay, according to US Dental Health Statistics.
These people need dental services. Sadly, about 74 million Americans are uninsured and cannot afford the price. If you are one of them, some institutions have provided affordable dental care for you.
Options for Affordable Dental Care Without Insurance
- Dental schools
- Dental discount plan
- Community health centers
- Free dental clinics and nonprofits
- Payment plans and financing options
Dental Schools
Dental schools are among the best places to get dental care at a lower cost. In these institutions, you’ll find undergrad dentists looking to enhance their skills under supervision. So, they are willing to perform treatments at lower price points.
While this is a great option, be aware of the risks since you’re relying on someone without much experience. However, the student is overseen by licensed supervisors. But this can prolong the procedure.
Dental Discount Plans
When you subscribe to a dental savings or dental discount plan, you can receive up to 60% discounts on routine procedures from dental professionals in the plan’s network.
How Do Dental Savings Plans Work?
To subscribe to a dental discount plan, you’ll pay a yearly subscription fee, usually below $150. Like any subscription, you can go for treatment as soon as you purchase. So you can hold off payment until you need the services.
Dental discount plans are not a form of insurance. That is, you don’t need to pay out-of-pocket for a treatment before the discount will apply. And there are no premiums. You only pay for what you use.
Reputable companies like Aetna and Cigna offer dental savings plans. Some dental offices may offer discounted services near you. You can also ask your dentist if you can make such an arrangement where you’ll come for routine checkups for a discount.
Where to Find the Right Dental Discount Plans for Your Needs
You can find a local dentist offering dental health care with no insurance by visiting websites like DentistLink.org. Not all will provide treatment for the procedure you need, and some have more favorable plans. So, sort your options carefully before committing.
Below are other directories where you can find low-cost dental offices near you:
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- The Washington Healthcare Access Alliance
- The Washington State Department of Health
- Toothwisdom.org
Ideally, you want to search for clinics run by health departments or federally qualified health centers.
Limitations of Dental Discount Plans
Note that dental discount plans are not insurance. Hence, they may not cover the full service or procedure you need. Aside from that, you have to be a member to participate in the discount program.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers offer healthcare services, including dental care, even though you lack insurance coverage. These centers are usually federally funded, and the fees are determined on a sliding scale.
Each state has its community health center directory. Find a community health center near you by typing the phrase on Google alongside your state.
Eligibility
Eligibility for community health centers is usually income-based. Typically, they’ll ask you to pay what you can afford based on your income. Some centers will require you to live within an area. So, you may have to provide proof of income, residency, and other documents to qualify for reduced fees.
The downside is that there are usually long wait times for appointments due to the higher demand. To limit this, schedule ahead.
Additionally, many states allow dental hygienists to run basic cleanings and routine checkups. The prices are low, but of course, some procedures, especially costly ones, are not covered.
If that appeals to you, visit the American Dental Hygienists Association website to know what your state offers.
Free Dental Clinics and Nonprofits
Free dental clinics and nonprofits are also great places to enjoy dental procedures at a fraction of the cost. Find free clinics near you here.
While some dental offices offer free treatments periodically as a way to give back to their communities, some nonprofits also run free dental programs occasionally.
The Dental Lifeline Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dental health care to low-income individuals. If you’re 65 or older, with disabilities, or medically fragile, you qualify. Visit the website to learn more.
Just know there’s usually a long waitlist with these options. Who doesn’t like freebies?
Navigating Payment Plans and Financing Options
It’s possible to discuss a favorable payment plan with your dentist. Instead of a lump sum, you may agree to pay installmentally. Even though you save $0, this plan lightens your burden.
Various organizations adopt different payment structures. While some dental offices allow you to pay directly, third-party companies like CareCredit may also be involved in your dental financing. In the latter case, you would not pay the dentist directly.
Qualification for dental financing may depend on your income, age, location, and medical history. So, you’d have to provide supporting documents.
Due to the eligibility requirement, people who qualify for Medicaid usually also qualify for oral care from community health centers. It can be tricky, though, as not every Medicaid program provides adult dental coverage. Most Medicaid programs cover dental treatments for children without health insurance up to 19 years.
However, few dentists accept Medicaid. Use this tool to find a dentist near you who accepts it.
Note: not all affordable dental plans cover cosmetic dentistry. So, if veneers or crowns are your target, carefully look for a plan that covers that.
The bottom line is, do your research. Scrub the internet and directories, sift through the options, and find one that works for you.
Tips for Managing Dental Care Costs with Payment Plans
- Work your dental discount plan into your monthly budget so you can pay without any financial strain.
- When consulting with the dentist, let them address your most urgent dental needs first. This is so you’ll make the best use of your discounts.
- Finally, compare prices. Platforms like Smylen allow you to find oral healthcare providers and their prices.
How to Take Charge of Your Oral Health Without Breaking the Bank
After all’s said and done, nothing beats preventative care. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can prevent gum disease and keep your teeth shining white.
Also, regular checkups, which are inexpensive, can help you catch issues before they become costly.
By so doing, there’s little chance you’ll need major dental work anytime soon.
The Bottom Line
Don’t allow your lack of dental insurance to mess up your beautiful smile.
Whether you’re seeking a dentist offering discounted dental treatments or visiting a community health center, the goal is to maintain optimal oral health and general well-being.
So go ahead, do your research, and find an affordable provider that works best for you.
FAQs
Do you really need to go to the dentist regularly?
Despite brushing and flossing daily, certain medical conditions require you to visit the dentist regularly.
According to the American Dental Association, diabetic patients should visit the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings as they’re more prone to gum disease. Cancer patients and smokers also need to be checked yearly as they’re at risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Where can you receive free or low-cost dental care?
Dental schools, community health centers, and nonprofit clinics are great places to receive low-cost dental care. Some dental professionals offer free treatments every once in a while as a way to give back to their communities. Search online to find one near you.
What Happens if You Don’t See the Dentist Regularly?
If you neglect yearly dental visits, tartar can build up despite your brushing and flossing. Oral bacteria may also enter the bloodstream and contribute to issues in other parts of the body.
