No Dental Insurance? Try These Alternatives!

Good oral health is essential to staying healthy. But if you can’t afford to carry dental insurance, what can you do? While skipping cleanings and exams may save you money in the short-term, lack of dental care can lead to costly medical treatments in the future. Read on to find out how you can get affordable dental care without insurance.

Dental Schools

What better way to get your teeth cleaned than by visiting an aspiring dentist? While this may seem scary to some, dental students can provide a quality cleaning at a fraction of the price. Plus, their work is supervised by a licensed professional.

Visiting a dental school could save you at last half of what you would pay a dentist for cleanings, x-rays, and fillings. You might even be able to get a root canal at a reduced price. Keep in mind that students may work at a slower pace and their work is thoroughly reviewed throughout the process, so be sure to put aside enough time for your appointment. To find an accredited dental school near you, visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Nonprofit Dental Clinics

There are many nonprofit dental clinics that provide free, or reduced-fee, dental services. These may be run by professional dental organizations, charities, or faith-based groups. Depending upon the clinic, these services may be provided only for low-income households, seniors, or children.

Finding a non-profit clinic may take a little digging. Since some clinics may have long waiting lists or have such a backlog that they aren’t accepting new patients, you may find yourself spending time looking for a clinic that can serve you. FreeDentalCare offers a directory of dental clinics that provide free or reduced-fee dental services throughout the U.S. The Dental Lifeline Network serves the elderly and disabled community in all 50 states by using dentists who donate their services.

Government-funded Dental Clinics

These clinics are often run by state or local health departments that receive federal funds. They provide lower cost routine dental services including cleanings, fillings, and x-rays. These clinics may also offer 24-hour emergency service and can also perform root canals, tooth extraction, and crowns. Fees are calculated based on a sliding scale which considers how much money you make and your ability to pay.

Medicaid may be your Option

If you qualify as low-income or don’t have a job, you may be able to obtain dental services through Medicaid, depending upon the state you live in. Children under 19 years old who qualify under Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may be able to receive free dental care. Adults may qualify under these programs, even if they aren’t parents. The dental services and amount of coverage will vary by state. Some states cover basic dental services, whereas others provide more extensive coverage.

Talk to your Dentist

If you currently see a dentist, talk to them about your financial situation. In some cases, they may provide free or reduced-fee services for a few patients that are truly unable to afford orthodontic services. Or, they may accept referrals from other dentists to provide these services or give you a referral to another dentist that could help.

In other cases, your dentist may be willing to offer you a monthly payment plan. While you may still be paying premium prices for dental services, spreading the financial burden out of overtime can help to lessen the blow to your wallet.

Not having dental insurance does not mean you can’t get affordable orthodontic treatment. If you are willing to invest your time and energy, you can find suitable low-cost, even free, options. While skipping dental work may seem like a great way to save you a little money today, it can cost you thousands of dollars of dental work in the future and can have a life-long impact on your health and wellbeing.