According to the CDC, more than a quarter of U.S. adults have untreated tooth decay. What’s more, nearly 46% of adults that are 30 years or older have signs of gum disease.
Unfortunately, for every adult that has no medical insurance, there are three adults who have no dental insurance.
When it comes to maintaining your oral health, it’s recommended to go to the dentist at least once a year. But what if you have no dental insurance?
Check out this article to learn tips to find no insurance dental care.
Deals and Coupons
Many dentists offer deals for first-time customers. You may see these deals in flyers in the mail or online on the dentist’s website.
These deals may include teeth cleaning and x-rays for a special price. However, if you have other teeth issues such as cavities, that probably won’t be included in the deal.
Talk With Your Dentist
If you’re currently uninsured, you can talk with your current dentist and see if they offer any discounts.
Many dentists are understanding of your financial situation and may be able to help. For example, if you need a lot of dental work done, your dentist may be able to stagger your treatment so that you take care of the most important things first.
This way, you can stretch out the treatment without compromising your oral health at dental and ortho clinic.
Dental Discount Plan
Some dentists also offer their own dental discount plans. This is a plan that you enroll in, and it works like a membership. You pay a certain price annually, and in return, you get discounts on dental work.
Usually, you have the option to choose from a network of dentists that are a part of the discount plan.
A dental discount plan might be a good alternative to dental insurance. If you have generally good oral health and don’t need much dental work done, this plan can help you save money.
You’ll have to calculate and see how much money you can save if you enroll in a discount plan versus paying out of pocket.
Financing and Payment Plans
When you need an emergency tooth extraction no insurance seems like an impossible obstacle, doesn’t it? Some dental services can’t wait. Another option is to finance your dental care into manageable payments.
Some dentists offer financing plans. A payment plan may also be included in a dental discount plan.
This is an alternative to charging your payment on a regular credit card where you may end up paying interest.
Health Centers
If you can’t afford a financing plan, you can look into community health centers. There are health centers that are federally funded and provide health services for free or on a sliding scale based on your income.
You can find a health center in your community that offers dental care. You can go to the Health Resources and Services Administration website to find a health center near you.
Nonprofit Organizations
Another way to find free dental services is through a nonprofit organization. There are nonprofits such as United Way that can help connect you to healthcare services.
United Way has a 2-1-1 number that you can call 24/7 and where you will be connected to a referral specialist. The specialist can help connect you to local resources including health care and dental care.
What’s more, United Way can connect you to additional critical resources such as employment opportunities, services for veterans, utility assistance information, and more.
Medicaid
If you can’t afford health or dental insurance, you can look into applying for Medicaid. You can get health coverage through your state’s Medicaid if you are low income and fall under the eligibility requirements.
However, dental coverage under Medicaid depends on each state. You’ll have to check with your state to see which dental care services are covered under the state’s Medicaid plan.
Dental Schools
For low-cost dental care, you can go to a dental school or a dental hygiene school to get treated by dental students.
If the thought of a student working on your teeth makes you nervous, know that every step of the procedure is monitored. In fact, this can make the procedure much longer than usual.
Each step needs to be monitored, checked, and approved before the student can move on to the next step.
If you have the time and don’t mind the wait, then you can find a dental school and make an appointment for low-cost dental work.
Dental schools are usually located in big cities. If you live in or near a major city, most likely there is a nearby dental school. You can find a dental program near you and see if they offer dental work.
Dental Studies
Another option you may consider is participating in a dental clinical trial. Researchers may offer volunteers dental treatment at no cost or at a reduced cost.
Not sure about the idea of participating in a clinical trial? Most clinical trials in America are reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). An IRB makes sure that the risks of the trials are minimal compared to their benefits.
What’s more, an IRB makes sure your rights as a participant are protected and that the trials are ethical.
Before joining a clinical trial, you can ask if an IRB reviewed the trial.
Save Money With Preventative Care
Our final tip to save money on dental care is to take care of your teeth. By engaging in preventative care such as brushing and flossing every day, you can prevent plaque buildup which leads to cavities that will cost you.
If you don’t have dental insurance, you might skip going to the dentist in order to save money. However, by visiting the dentist regularly, your dentist can treat oral health issues before they become worse.
Finding the Best No Insurance Dental Care
Dental work can quickly add up. However, don’t let the fact that you don’t have dental insurance stop you from maintaining your oral health.
The above tips can help you access low-cost or no insurance dental care.
For more tips and advice, check out articles in our blog.
