Needing dental care without having dental insurance can be scary. Whether it’s a simple toothache or something more complex, it can be difficult to focus on anything else when you have a sore mouth. Fortunately, affordable options are available for those who find themselves in these situations. This article will discuss options for reasonable dental care for consumers without dental insurance.
Dental savings plans are a great option
A trip to the dentist for necessary oral care can be expensive. A growing number of dental offices are responding to this need by offering in-house payment plans like those found at foothillsfamilydentistryllc.com that make dental visits less devastating on patient budgets.
Plans like the one referenced above work by charging a fixed annual rate for routine dental care. Such programs are very convenient and allow patients to know in advance what the cost of care is. These plans are also great because they encourage routine checkups and care to avoid expensive and more invasive procedures down the road. Dental savings plans take a lot of the anxiety out of going to the dentist because finances are no longer considered.
These programs usually include regular exams, cleanings and x-rays for a small annual fee and a discount on other services needed at the clinic. For a patient looking to whiten their teeth or someone looking for other services offered by the dental office, the rebate can provide significant savings. Dental savings plans don’t have a deductible like traditional insurance, so saving usually starts right away.
Other options for low-cost dental care
Contacting a nearby dental or dental hygiene school is another option for finding affordable dental care. Because the students of these schools need to practice, services are usually very limited and the work is supervised by instructors working in the field. Dental schools are not suitable for all oral health concerns, but they can provide significant savings for most routine procedures. One possible downside is a longer delay before an appointment can be set.
Community dental clinics are available in most locations
Many communities offer dental clinics for people without dental insurance. The clinics are staffed with community board certified dentists who donate their time to this worthy cause. One possible downside is the extended wait time for an appointment since, in most cases, the need for the service far exceeds the number of available appointments. United Way is a great resource for finding information about these services in the local community.
Free or sliding-scale dental care options
Some faith-based or charitable organizations offer free or sliding-scale dental services which, again, are provided by community dentists. Those organizations collect financial information from the patient and use it to determine the charges billed. Since community dentists occupy these locations, appointment time is generally much faster than at a dental school.
Although a regular visit to the dentist is an essential part of good oral hygiene, daily maintenance should not be neglected. Daily brushing and flossing go a long way in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. This delicate balance is necessary to prevent bad breath, gum disease and maintain a healthy mouth. A healthy mouth is much less likely to require expensive and invasive dental procedures.
