If you’re one of the many people looking for an affordable dentist near me, you’re not alone! The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that 20 million Americans go without basic dental care every year because they simply can’t afford it. So if you want to maintain your dental health while staying within your budget, here are some tips on how to find an affordable dentist near me so you can get the treatment you need, without going broke in the process.
Use your dentist insurance
Your dentist’s office should offer some sort of insurance plan. If it doesn’t, see if there is a dental discount plan you can enroll in. Finding a discount dental plan that offers members affordable services and low costs can help you find an affordable dentist near me. Keep in mind that sometimes you’ll have to pay for part of your visit up front, then seek reimbursement from your insurance company later on.
Save by finding a more affordable practice
Affordable dentistry means more than just finding a low-cost dentist, it also means looking for a practice that fits your budget. If you have kids or are in pain and want to avoid serious dental procedures like root canals, then a family practice might be best. These types of practices work directly with insurance companies and can treat everything from dental emergencies to cavities. A great way to find such a practice is by asking around on social media or through online reviews – what’s important is that you find one before your next dental appointment so you can feel at ease going into your appointment knowing where it will take place! Keep reading below for more information about finding affordable dentists near me as well as which questions you should ask them!
Consider mobile dentistry
Dental offices are expanding their care options to include more mobile offerings. This can be a major benefit for patients who don’t want or need traditional appointments or prefer a dentist who isn’t located in their neighborhood. With mobile dentistry, patients can continue receiving routine dental services without worrying about having a long commute (or needing child care). If you’re looking for an affordable dentist near me, here are some questions you should ask: How many dental professionals will be on-site? What services do they offer? Do they accept insurance? Are there any associated costs? What is their cancellation policy? Is there anything I should bring with me on my first visit?
Ask about payment plans
If you’re on a limited budget and know you’ll need work done, ask your dentist about payment plans. Many offices offer discounts or interest-free financing in exchange for paying in full up front. Just be sure you can make payments when they come due. If not, try to negotiate for less expensive services like taking care of your cleaning every other month instead of every month. It will extend how long it takes to pay off your bill—but it might be worth it so that you don’t go without dental work while working on building up your savings account.
Look for dental schools
Dental schools are often cheaper than regular dentists and can be found in most large cities. Using an online search engine like Yelp, you can usually find a dental school that has a good reputation for providing quality care at affordable prices. In addition, many dental schools accept patients with limited or no insurance. Be sure to ask about their payment plans before scheduling any appointments. Most importantly, make sure your oral health is up-to-date prior to visiting a dental school; they will want to see you’ve been getting regular cleanings done at another facility first before they treat you.
See if you qualify for financial assistance
Most insurance plans cover dental care, but not always 100%. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can cover children under 18 with family incomes that are too high for Medicaid. If you don’t have insurance, call your state’s department of health and find out if your state offers a program that might help you get low-cost dental care. Many community clinics and other local organizations also offer services at discounted rates; just ask around.
Use CareCredit and other financing options
There are dozens of online coupon sites, which is fantastic for saving on dental work. But if you don’t have insurance and you’re paying out of pocket, it can be hard to find affordable dental care. That’s why many people look into low-cost dentists in their area, or they go after dental coupons and discounts. If your state offers a discount program—like one through Medicaid—it can help you pay as little as $10 for cleanings, exams and x-rays.
Use coupon sites and other discounts
Before you walk into a dentist’s office, it’s important to know what kind of costs you should expect. Some dentists offer discounts for patients willing to pay for their services in cash and many others also offer deals through coupon sites or social media marketing. It might take some digging, but with coupons and discount codes, it is possible to find affordable dental care in your area. Dental schools are a great place to start looking for cheap options as well—students at these programs will often give consultations and treatment for close-to-free or even provide students with fully-functioning equipment during off hours when they’re not working with patients directly.