There’s a connection between a person’s oral health and their overall health. So, finding affordable dental services is essential – it’s not just about creating beautiful smiles.
However, what can a family do when they don’t have dental insurance but need to schedule dental appointments? Here are some tips for finding affordable dental care plans and insurance so your family can access high-quality care.
How to Find Affordable Dental Care
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website has several ideas for finding affordable dental care. We will share a few of these ideas, plus give you an additional idea for receiving dental services at a reasonable price. Your oral health matters!
Local health departments
Your local area may have a federally-funded community health center. Some of these health centers also offer dental care services. Typically, services such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions are provided on a sliding fee scale – to those who qualify.
Dental schools
Check your local area for a dental school (or dental hygiene school) that may offer reduced-cost dental treatment. Many teaching facilities offer this service in an effort to provide real-life experiences for their students.
Clinical trials
The Health and Human Services Department also suggests volunteering for dental clinical trials in your area. Organizations running oral-related clinical studies sometimes provide participants with free or low-cost dental treatments. However, you may need to have a specific condition to qualify for these studies.
How to Find Affordable Dental Insurance
Unfortunately, it’s hard to find affordable dental insurance that covers more than basic preventative services.
If you are familiar with the current insurance marketplace, you probably already know that family dental insurance plans are expensive. Of course, you can save on dental insurance by selecting a high-deductible plan. However, your out-of-pocket costs will be high if you need a root canal or other major treatment.
You are probably also aware of Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicare is for people 65 years and older or people with specific disabilities. While there are many great things about this program, it’s worth noting that the dentistry coverage is minimal. In fact, the program does not cover most routine dental care, dentures, or dental implants.
Medicaid is a state-run program that offers medical benefits to people who qualify. Dental coverage varies by state, with some states providing only limited emergency dental services and others offering comprehensive dental care.
How Can I Afford to Fix My Teeth?
Unfortunately, most of the options the Department of Health and Human Services presents require that the patient meets financial qualifications to receive quality dental services. You may find yourself in a tricky situation where you would struggle to pay for high-cost insurance. Still, you make too much money to qualify for government services – assuming those services are available in your local area.
And even though all dentists have to begin somewhere, those who are pain-phobic may not be excited about having their impacted tooth worked on by a student at a dental school.
Purchase a Health Benefit Plan with AmeriPlan
For affordable dental service, purchase a dental discount plan with AmeriPlan. A discount plan is not the same as health insurance.
Here’s how the Dental Plus plan works:
You purchase the Dental Plus plan from AmeriPlan for less than twenty bucks per month. This plan covers everyone in your household – regardless of age, income, or insurance status.
Then, you search the AmeriPlan website to find a dentist’s office in your area. When you arrive at your dental appointment, you will be asked to pre-pay for reduced-rate services. You’ll benefit because you’ll be able to receive needed dental procedures at a pre-negotiated reduced rate. The provider benefits because they won’t have to spend time filing claims with an insurance company.
With AmeriPlan:
- There are no limits on visits or services.
- You can have pre-existing conditions when you sign up for the plan.
- Patients can change dentists at any time.
AmeriPlan offers affordable services for all your dental needs, including:
- Routine Exams to Check Your Oral Health
- X-Rays
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fillings and Crowns
- Orthodontics (braces)
- Cosmetic Dentistry
Learn more about the Dental Plus plan from AmeriPlan. Then, when you are ready to sign up for services, contact a member of our team.
Summary: How to Find Affordable Dentistry Services
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Check your local health department to see if they offer professional dental services.
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Consider volunteering at a local dental or dental hygienist school to receive care.
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See if you qualify for a local clinical trial that offers free dental care.
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If you qualify for Medicaid, see if your state program offers dental care services.
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Sign up for a medical benefit plan through AmeriPlan.