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People avoid going to the dentist for a reason. Dental care is expensive. Even regular cleanups can cost over $100. One study found that about 83% of Americans hold off on emergency dental care because of the cost.
Imagine withering in pain and refusing to seek treatment because of the hefty bill. Thankfully, there are several strategies for getting cheap or free dental care.
To help you find ways to cut down on costs, here are 14 genius hacks to get free or cheap dental care.
To curate this list, I chose programs and options to save money. I also added some preventative tips that can lower your overall dental bill. Talk to Your Dentist
Dental Schools: Cheap Dental Care
Dental schools almost always look for patients for their students to practice on. While their dental care isn’t free, it’s much more affordable than at a regular dental office. This is a good option if you don’t have dental insurance and live near a dental school. While prices are lower, waiting times can be high. My friend needed some fillings and went to a dental school to get them done. Her appointment was booked two months out!
Sign up for Dental Rewards/Plans
Not all dentist offices are alike. But every dentist I’ve been to has offered some kind of program. I’ve had dentist offices offer a dental program that includes cleanings and discounts on treatments. Every program has its requirements. Typically, though, you pay a one-time or monthly fee. Usually, dental care under a plan isn’t free, but it’s cheaper, and every little bit helps.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance has helped me in tricky situations. Sure, the treatments aren’t all free, but I’d rather pay $300 for a root canal than over $1,000. I recommend asking your dentist what insurance they take before applying for one. Not all dental plans are the same. They are pretty cheap, though, especially through an employer. My husband and I only pay $15 monthly for dental insurance, which covers a lot. According to Forbes, the average cost of a dental insurance plan is $47 a month, which is less than most phone bills.
Prevention
Honestly, the best way to save money on dental care is prevention. It’s easier on our wallets to pay for regular cleanings instead of root canal treatments and cavity fillings. Cavities are super common. Most adults have some tooth decay. Use prevention techniques like frequent brushing and flossing to lower your chances of getting cavities.
Community Health Clinics
also offer dental and other health services for low prices. These centers are spread throughout the country and vary in cost. Interestingly, the first Community Health Center in the U.S. opened in 1965. I suggest looking up community health centers in your city or state if you need dental care. Schedule an appointment and ask for prices before starting care. Some offer sliding discount programs depending on your income and family’s size.
Travel Internationally
Have you ever heard of dental tourism? Many people from all over the world travel to get medicine and dental care in cheaper countries, not all of which are as expensive as the United States. In the U.S., fillings are over $100. Even with insurance, I’ve paid as much as $125 per filling. In 2019, fillings in the Philippines were just $18.
Sliding Scale Fees
Sliding scale fees are a blessing. They are perfect for low-income patients needing dental care. They are also used in other health offices, including therapy. Usually, sliding scale fees depend on your income and financial situation. You pay only what you can afford. Not everyone qualifies; you may need to submit pay stubs and proof.
Research
With healthcare, you are your biggest supporter and advocate. You don’t have to settle for the first dentist you find. Instead, take your time and research. Get multiple opinions if you need to! Her dentist told one of my best friends that she needed a root canal. She almost went through with it before deciding to head to another dentist. One filling later, and she was better than ever. No expensive root canal was needed!
Space Dental Work Out
Technically, this hack saves you money at the moment, not in the long run. But anything helps when you have a lot of dental work to complete. If you can, space out your treatment. Just because a dentist finds six cavities doesn’t mean you must fill them all on the same day. If you can, space them out according to your budget.
Non-Profits
Like community health clinics, non-profit dental programs are great. There are so many options as long as you know where to look. You can either get dental care through a non-profit clinic or get the funds for treatment through a non-profit program. I recommend searching your area for non-profits that work without insurance. You can also call your local county or city for resources.
0% Interest Credit Card
This isn’t a way to get dental care for free but at a cheaper rate than taking out a loan or using a high-interest credit card. If possible, try to take out a 0% interest credit card. I’ve used CareCredit on multiple occasions for dental care. Just remember to pay the entire balance before the term date is up. Otherwise, you’ll be charged interest.
Cash-Back Credit Card
Like the previous hack, this is more of a payment method. Cash-back credit cards are a great way to maximize benefits. This only works if you pay your bill in full. If you choose to use cash-back credit cards, I recommend spacing out dental treatment, depending on your budget. This will prevent building interest and allow you to make some money from the purchase.
Payment Plans vs. Full Pay
Some dental offices also offer a small discount for paying the bill in full instead of setting up a payment plan. If you have the money, this is a great option. It can save you a few dollars. This payment plan is even better on your wallet when combined with the other hacks on our list.
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