Needing dental care without having dental insurance can be scary. Whether it's a simple toothache or something more complex, it can be challenging to concentrate on anything else when your mouth hurts. Fortunately, affordable options are available for those finding 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 needed oral care can be expensive. A growing number of dental practices respond to this need by offering in-house payment plans like the ones found at foothillsfamilydentistryllc.com that make dental visits less devastating to the patients' budget.
Plans such as the one referenced above operate by charging a set annual rate for routine dental care. Programs like these are very convenient and allow patients to know upfront what the cost of care is. These plans are also great because they encourage routine examinations and care to avoid costly and more-invasive procedures later. Dental savings plans take a lot of the anxiety out of going to the dentist because finances are no longer considered.
These programs typically include regular exams, cleanings, and x-rays for a nominal fee annually and a discount on other needed services at the clinic. For a patient looking to whiten their teeth or someone looking for other services offered by the dental office, the discount can provide significant cost savings. Dental savings plans do not have a deductible like traditional insurance, so the savings 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 students at these schools need to practice, the services are usually deeply discounted, and the work is overseen by instructors working in the field. Dental schools are not appropriate for every oral health issue, but they can provide significant savings for most routine procedures. One possible drawback is a longer time before an appointment can be scheduled.
Community Dental Clinics are Available in Most Places
Many communities offer dental clinics for people without dental insurance. The clinics are staffed by board-certified dentists in the community who donate their time to this very worthy cause. A possible downside is the extended wait time for an appointment since, in most cases, the need for the service far outweighs the number of available appointments. United Way is an excellent resource to find 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 that are, once again, donated by community dentists. These organizations collect financial information from the patient and use it to determine the fee charged. Since community dentists are staffing these locations, the appointment time is usually much faster than at a dental school.
While regularly visiting the dentist is an vital part of good oral hygiene, daily maintenance should not be overlooked. Daily brushing and flossing go a long way toward maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria inside the mouth. This delicate balance is necessary to prevent bad breath, gum disease, and keep the mouth healthy. A healthy mouth is far less likely to need expensive and invasive dental procedures.