Low Cost Dental Care
For many of us, low-cost dental care is not a priority. We go to a dentist only when it is unavoidable. Dental care, especially without insurance, is normally an expensive affair and unaffordable to many. It is estimated that the cost of dental care has gone up by almost twice the average rate of inflation over the past fifty years. Additionally, the number of consumers with access to dental insurance keeps decreasing. Between 2009 to 2010 alone there was a 5.7% drop in the number of people with dental insurance. Effectively, only about 45% of Americans now have dental insurance. These factors explain the general reluctance to seek dental care periodically.
Start to find your Low Cost Dental Care below
In this scenario, it is relevant to discuss how people without dental insurance can find low-cost dental care. At affordable-dentist.com, our aim is to make dental care affordable to each and every citizen of the United States, regardless of whether they have dental insurance. Here are a few ways by which you can save money while seeking dental care.
1) Low-Cost Dental Providers
Fortunately for us, there are many dentists today who operate on a sliding-scale rate, making dental care affordable to patients who lack insurance. By sliding-scale is meant that they set their rates according to individual patients’ incomes while ensuring that it remains affordable to everyone.
If you are looking for a low cost dental provider in your area, the easiest way to locate one is to use our search service which is absolutely free of cost. We have a huge database of affordable dental care providers all over the country. Use the search box on this page to locate an affordable dentist near you. Another option to locate a low cost dental care provider is to contact your state’s Dental Association. Their contact details can be found on the website of American Dental Association (www.ada.org).
2) Free dental care
If, however, you are unable to afford even a dentist who operates on a sliding scale, you may be eligible to receive dental service from a free medical clinic. Your eligibility in terms of your low income may have to be substantiated for you to avail of this service. Again your state’s Dental Association can guide you on how to receive free dental care.
3) Discount dental plans
Many companies offer discount dental plans, wherein, for a yearly membership fee, you can you get significant discounts (between 20% and 60%) on dental costs provided you get your service from a dentist listed in the plan. Search this site for discount dental plans in your area.
4) Dental schools and students
Dental students need to acquire experience before they can graduate and be licensed? You can receive dental care at a significantly reduced cost at one of your local dental schools while helping the students gain experience. The students in such cases operate under the supervision of licensed dentists or dental hygienists. Check ADA online to find dental schools in your area.
5) Negotiate a discount
Dentists are aware of the fact that the majority of people are uninsured. Many of them may be inclined to help out patients in real need of dental care but are not financially sound. Therefore, discuss with the dentist your financial situation and try to negotiate your bill in advance. Booking an appointment in the slow season and using good negotiation skills can go a long way in helping you make your dental service more affordable.
6) Paying upfront
As per a study conducted in California, most dentists are willing to drop the price by up to 5% for patients willing to pay their fee in advance. This is a method by which you can seek additional discounts from your dentist.
By following the above methods, you should be able to locate a low-cost dental service. To find attractive discounts on dental services and dental plans, use our free search service.
