Are you looking to have dental work done? Struggling to come up with the money for a payment? If so, you should know that there are a number of cheap dental work options available.
In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the best options for low-cost dental care, helping you get the dental work you need on a budget. Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Dental Schools
One of the best places to look for low cost dental work is a dental school. Many dental schools provide free dental care to patients who are willing to participate as model patients for students. All you have to do is sign up, show up on time, and receive an inspection, teeth cleaning, or some other service.
Oftentimes, you can find information about this form of dental work by looking on the dental school’s website. It might have a section that says “Patients” or “Volunteers”. If you can’t find anything on a dental school’s website, make a call and ask if there are any reduced-cost dental services available.
You can try any dental school at all, from ones at big, state universities to ones at small, private universities. Note, though, that state universities are probably your best bet.
Free Dental Clinics
Every once in a while, municipalities will provide free dental clinics for those who can’t afford dental services on their own. These clinics will provide everything from teeth cleanings to dental x-rays to cavity fillings and more.
Note, though, that these are generally held at random, or, at the very least, for only short periods of time. As such, you need to keep an eye out for them and strike while the iron is hot.
Call up your local municipality and ask if there are any free clinics being held this year. You may just be able to get penciled in for an appointment.
Your Local Health Department
While it’s certainly not true for every health department, some health departments provide assistance for medical care. This oftentimes includes dentistry.
Generally speaking, this option requires that your income is below a certain threshold. So, if you’re a low or moderate-income individual, it’s worth looking into.
To locate a medical center that might be able to help you, use this search tool. You’re also advised to call up your health department directly so that you can discuss the issue at length. This will enable you to ask questions and see whether you qualify.
The NIDCR
Another place to look for free dental care is the NIDCR or the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research. This organization provides clinics for patients in need of care. These patients are treated by dental students who are in the process of becoming professionals.
This particular option can be beneficial for those with specialized dental problems. Oftentimes, the NIDCR seeks patients who are, say, in need of root canals or who have cleft palates, for example.
To find available openings, we suggest Googling something to the effect of “NIDCR research studies” or “NIDCR clinical trials”. This should supply you with a few different options. Scour through these and see if you can find anything that fits your situation.
Government Health Insurance Opportunities
If you’re in the right age group or income bracket, you could qualify for government health insurance. This would include dental coverage, and would even provide you with many dental services for free.
There are three different types of government health insurance: Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP. Medicaid is for those whose income is considered low. Medicare is for those 65 years of age and older. CHIP is for children and usually requires just a small monthly payment.
To inquire about whether you’re eligible for one of these health insurances, contact your state government. In most cases, it’s the Department of Job and Family Services that will handle issues of government health insurance.
Mexico
If you live in the southwestern United States, you might consider having dental work done down in Mexico. Mexican dentists charge less than American dentists and could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on common dental procedures.
Now, you might feel a little apprehensive about having dental work done in Mexico. However, as long as you choose a reputable dentist, you have nothing to worry about. Mexican dentists are just as skilled as American dentists and will be able to provide you with a sufficient level of care.
Interested? Click to learn more now!
A Local Dentist
If all else fails (and it shouldn’t!), you should make calls to some of the dentists in your area. You never know who might be willing to provide dental services at a reduced rate.
Some dentists actually make a point of providing a certain number of freebies throughout the year. Your appointment could very well end up being one of these freebies.
When speaking to dentists, make it clear that you don’t have the funds necessary to pay full price. Ask if there’s any possibility of receiving services at a lower rate. The worst that can happen is that the dentist says no.
Some dentists might even allow you to get on a payment plan. In other words, they might allow you to pay for services in monthly installments. This wouldn’t save you any money in the long run, but it would make payment more manageable over time.
Cheap Dental Work Doesn’t Equal Poor Dental Work
Make no mistake: cheap dental work doesn’t equal poor dental work. These are all suitable options for getting your teeth checked, cleaned, and repaired. Start making some calls and see what kind of deal you can score.
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