Strategies for Covering Dental Costs When Money Is Tight
Dental care in America has never been cheap, and prices are only increasing. 92% of Americans would rather hold off on doing dental work than pay the high prices. However, leaving those issues unresolved for months or years could result in even more expensive work and severe damage to your teeth. And when unexpected expenses get in the way, postponing a dentist appointment for more urgent finances is easy.
Now, you may be thinking, “Well, I need dental work but have no money. What do I do?” Read on for some of the best strategies for covering dental costs.
How Can I Identify the Dental Work I Need?
First and foremost, you don’t want to do dental work without a licensed professional. Seeing anyone other than a certified dentist can be potentially very unsafe and risky. Go to a licensed dentist for a proper checkup before you proceed with any dental work.
A certified dentist can use X-rays, probing, and even 3D scans to tell you what work you need.
What Do I Do If I Can’t Afford Dental Work?
If you find yourself thinking, “I need dental work but have no money,” look no further. If you need money desperately, there are resources out there just for you.
You can look into government assistance programs, charities that help with dental costs, payment plans and financing, and dental discount plans, among many other options. If you’re wondering about how to pay for dental work with no money, keep reading.
Dental Insurance Options
If you can’t afford dental work, looking into your dental insurance options is a start. Many employers provide dental coverage at group rates that are more affordable than one would expect.
However, if your place of employment doesn't have dental benefits, you should look into individual insurance plans. For example, Anthem and Aetna Dental offer individual plans to customers whose employers do not offer dental insurance. They have several options at different prices, so you can choose what works best financially.
Please note that dental insurance often only covers preventative care and may help less with big procedures like root canals, gum restoration, and tooth extractions.
Dental Discount Plans
If you find yourself in a situation where you can't afford dental work even with insurance, a dental discount plan may work for you. These plans offer a discount on dental services by participating dentists for an annual fee.
They might be more affordable than traditional insurance and often cover a great variety of procedures. Be sure to compare plans for one that fits your needs and your wallet.
This is how most discount dental plans work:
- Shop around and select plans that fit your needs for the appropriate treatments covered, individual versus family coverages, and so on.
- When you have zeroed in on the one that best suits your needs, purchase it by paying an average of $150 as an annual fee.
- With your plan activated, you can see a dentist in the network and make appointments with him or her.
- Just let your dentist know when you come in that you have a discount plan, and they will charge you that reduced rate for your services.
- Pay out-of-pocket for dental services at a reduced rate.
Government Assistance Programs
Government programs are great at helping those unsure of what to do in a dental emergency with no money. Here are a few programs to look into:
- Medicare is a health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. However, it has very limited dental coverage and doesn't cover most routine dental care or dentures. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer additional benefits not covered by standard Medicare, such as dental, vision, or hearing services.
- Medicaid is a joint federal-state health program that provides dental benefits to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and persons with disabilities. Eligibility and services vary by state; however, most states provide limited emergency dental services for patients aged 21 and older.
- The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides medical and dental coverage for eligible children up to age 19; however, services vary from state to state.
- InsureKidsNow.gov is a wonderful resource for families seeking affordable health insurance for their kids and teens. Their Medicaid/CHIP Dentist Locator will find a participating dentist in your area who accepts Medicaid and CHIP easily and quickly.
Charitable Organizations and Non-Profits
Many charities offer grants for dental treatment and help fund some orthodontic procedures. Here are a few that may be able to help:
Smiles Change Lives was formed in 1997 to provide braces for young people who could not afford to pay for them. Although this charity does not fully provide braces, it does significantly reduce the cost. Be sure to look into the eligibility requirements to make sure you qualify.
The Dental Lifeline Network offers funding toward dentures for those who need them. The nonprofit covers denture expenses for those who are over the age of 65, permanently disabled, or have a medical need. They have clinics in every state and offer comprehensive services.
With hundreds of locations across the US and globally, United Way often partners with local organizations that may offer free or low-cost dental clinics for those unable to afford dental care. Contact your local United Way office to learn about available programs in your area. In some regions, there are mobile clinics that make it easier to access dental services.
Payment Plans and Financing
If you still find yourself saying, “I need dental work but have no money,” you may want to consider financing your dental work. However, remember that these options often require an application, may come with certain restrictions, and interest can accumulate if the balance isn't paid off by the due date.
Be sure to review your dentist’s payment plans, compare interest rates, terms, and repayment flexibility, and consider your budget, the urgency of the dental work, and your overall financial situation.
Payday Loans – If you can't afford dental care, consider taking out a payday loan. The application process is straightforward, and if you qualify, you can receive the cash within a few business days.
CareCredit – CareCredit provides financing for almost any kind of dental work you or your family might need. They have interest-free financing for at least six months with a new account. However, be aware that they have high interest rates, particularly when the promotional period ends.
Dental Schools
Dental schools can also be a great source of low-cost dental care. Many of these schools offer deep discounts on services because the students, while supervised by veterans in the field, are actually doing the work. It may take a little longer than visiting a regular dentist, but the savings can be great, and the care is usually top-notch.
The University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, and Boston University all provide affordable and sometimes free dental services.
Free Dental Clinics
Last but not least, you can also go to a free dental clinic if you need major dental work but can't afford it. Usually, these clinics are run by charities, non-profit organizations, or community groups that offer very low-cost, basic dental services. There may be long queues, and availability is limited; however, in urgent care cases, such clinics can be a godsend.
Even if you already have a handle on managing your finances, covering dental costs can still be tricky. Fortunately, everything from dental insurance to help from nonprofits can make it easier to get your mouth back in tip-top shape. Now that’s something to smile about!
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