Many people try to find a "cheap dentist near me", because dental care overall is expensive and most people lack any kind of dental insurance to help coverthe cost! Dental care should not be a luxury, it’s important for overall good health. You and your family members deserve quality dental care; even if you believe you can’t afford it!
Fortunately, free and low cost dental services are available in most areas of the country! What’s unfortunate is that many people are not aware of that fact! So, listed below are 10 ways you can go about getting free and low cost dental services, so there should be no reason you or your family members should not get needed dental care regardless of your financial situation!
1. Low Cost Dental Clinics There are many dental clinics, including private clinics not funded through government programs that provide free or low-cost care. Now services may only be available on certain days and they may not provide every service and may require proof of low income, but this is a great place to begin. Our site includes a list of sources you can use to locate clinics in your area!
2. County Health Centers Many county health centers offer dental services, especially for dental emergencies and chronic oral health issues, so contact your local county health center to see what dental services, if any, they offer. If they don’t offer these services, ask if they can assist you in locating free or low cost services in your area!
3. Dental Schools If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area that has a dental school, you’re in luck! Dental students need to practice, and many schools will provide dental services to people in need of free or low-cost dental care. The services available may be limited, but a resource you should certainly consider using.
4. Dental Hygienist Schools If you need a routine cleaning you can contact the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. They can connect you with a dental hygienist school in your area! Hygienist students need to practice and often offer free cleanings under the direction of licensed hygienists.
5. Negotiated With Your Dentist Many people don’t realize they can negotiate with dentists on prices! Ask if you can receive a reduced rate by paying cash. Also ask to receive the same rate that insurance companies pay him or her for various services. Any reduction may help you fit dental care into a tight budget.
6. Financing and Payment Plans If you have a regular income but can’t afford a big expense all at once, a payment plan might be your best option. Some dental offices allow patients to pay a little bit each month over time. Others offer financing through local banks or credit unions. Ask your dentist if financing is an option to fund your dental care.
7. Medicare and Medicaid Medicare only covers dental procedures that are part of a larger medical procedure, such as reconstructing the jaw after an injury. Medicare does not cover routine dental procedures. Based on your income, you may, however, be eligible to apply for Medicaid. Medicaid provides coverage for some dental services. It also covers dental care for those under the age of 21. So, checking to see if you and your family qualify for Medicaid is an option you should explore!
8. Emergency Room It’s not an ideal solution, but sometimes it’s the only available option. Emergency rooms can’t turn people away when they’re in need of emergency care. They can manage some dental emergencies such as a broken tooth, a severe abscess, or intense pain. In most cases, the doctor will only stabilize you, such as providing antibiotics, stopping the bleeding, or offering painkiller. They will not be able to treat underlying cause of the problem. However, if your problem is severe enough to make you go to the emergency room, they may also be able to refer you to a free or low-cost dental clinic. Surprisingly, an American Dental Association study shows that someone visits an ER every 15 seconds because of a tooth ache!
9. Care Prioritization Many people delay dental care for years. The result is a complex array of dental needs that can cost thousands of dollars. If you find yourself in this situation, ask your dentist to work with you to prioritize the most essential care. A cleaning, for example, may be less important than an extraction. If you can’t afford a root canal, removing the tooth may be a more affordable option. Request a clear timeline so you know how long you can delay care, and then plan accordingly. In conjunction with financing, negotiated rates, and diligent saving, prioritizing some care while delaying other care may help you regain control over your dental health.
10. Dental Tourism Dental tourism simple means going to another country for dental work! It is becoming more and more popular, especially for people who need extensive dental work, which can be available in other countries for as little as 20% of what it costs in the United States. For example, if you’re fortunate enough to live close to the Mexican border or are willing to drive there from a distance, you can get good dental care at a considerable savings and is certainly worth considering. There are companies that provide this service. A quick Google search under “Dental Tourism” is the best way to start.