Finding an affordable dentist in your area can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Whether you’re looking to find the cheapest dentist or the best dentist near me, these tips will help you make an informed decision about where to get your dental care done and how to pay for it without insurance, if necessary. You may be surprised at how easy it is to find an affordable dentist near me that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Is dental insurance worth it?
There are three general ways you can pay for dental services: out-of-pocket, through a discount program or with an insurance policy. If you’re looking for an affordable dentist near me, you might think about seeking out a discount plan first.
Discount plans usually involve paying upfront for certain treatments and getting reimbursed later on; it’s important to do your research and find out how much is covered under these programs before signing up. You may also want to consider going without any coverage at all and treating yourself only when necessary. However, if you’re not sure where your next dime is coming from, medical care—including dental—can be difficult to prioritize in your budget.
Why can’t I just use my regular doctor?
An important thing to remember is that regular dentists aren’t trained to work on your teeth; they’re trained in general dentistry. That means they typically won’t be able to replace a cracked tooth, repair your damaged gum tissue or remove impacted wisdom teeth. Many dental clinics offer cosmetic services like veneers and bonding, but it’s unlikely you can just walk into an affordable dentist without insurance and get these things done right away.
If you want quick dental care, try using CareDox Dentist Finder ; it matches you with nearby healthcare providers based on criteria like price, location and health plan acceptance. You can even see before-and-after photos from other patients! A key benefit of seeing a dentist without insurance: Negotiating power! A good number of affordable dentists are willing to work out payment plans for treatments , and many offer flexible appointment times . This is good news if you don’t have dental coverage or an FSA account handy —negotiating for lower rates may give you some room in your budget for other expenses.
All in all, brushing twice a day and flossing regularly may keep your pearly whites healthy enough until you are able to schedule a checkup at an affordable dentist near me.
Finding an affordable dentist on your own
Health care in America is a mess. Too few people have coverage, and those who do can face high deductibles and co-pays, not to mention surprise bills from out-of-network providers. If you’re looking for an affordable dentist, one of your best options is finding one that takes cash.
But that’s easier said than done. We analyzed data from HealthGrove—an app and website that helps people locate medical providers—to find doctors accepting cash payments in 13 major metro areas across America.
Search local clinics
You can search for dentist on Yelp and other review sites like Google, or you can call up local clinics or hospitals. Ask if they offer free or low-cost dental care. Be sure to contact several places in your area; all types of dentists, as well as specialties like pediatric dentistry, are more likely to have discounts available for people who otherwise can’t afford services.
Even if you already have insurance that covers preventive visits, it never hurts to ask about less costly options—like cash prices for certain treatments—that will still keep your mouth healthy and smiling.
Ask around
Start by asking friends and family if they know of any dentists in your area that are affordable or whether they’d recommend anyone in particular. If you don’t get any leads, try searching online. Check out Yelp or Google reviews of nearby dentists to see what other patients are saying about their experiences. Look for specialties (e.g., children’s dentistry) or unique services that you can use as keywords. Finally, if all else fails, ask your doctor if she knows of any affordable dental specialists in your area—or ask her who performs her own checkups and cleanings!
Local health departments help too
If you don’t have dental insurance, your local health department may be able to help. Call your county health department and ask about dental care options. There may be dentists in your area who offer pro bono services. (i.e., free dental care) Or at reduced rates for those without coverage.
In some cases, people with financial hardship can qualify for assistance through Medicaid; if you are low-income, contact your local office of public assistance. For more information on whether you qualify for these services or financial aid programs for paying dentists.
It’s easier than it seems!
It’s true that dental work can be expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. But you still have options. In fact, there are several affordable dentists near me that offer incredible. Discounts or even pro bono work for those in need. Finding one of these affordable dentists will take some time and research, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Use any number of search engines or directories (such as Yelp). To narrow down your choices based on price and location before making an appointment with each doctor in person. The right dentist is out there waiting for you!