Dental insurance can often be a simple and effective way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine preventive care to emergency visits. However, plenty of people who have developed urgent issues don’t carry a policy and worry they can’t afford potentially smile-saving treatments.
If you have an oral issue requiring immediate attention and are worried about finances, continue reading to learn 3 tips for getting emergency dental care on a budget!
Tip #1: Ask About In-House Memberships
You might feel embarrassed to admit that you’re worried you can’t afford dental care, but you’re likely not the only uninsured patient that your dentist has assisted. Many providers are willing to work with patients to discuss different treatment options that fall within their budget.
Some dentists also offer additional options to make services more affordable, such as in-house membership plans. These are often available for a flat annual or monthly fee and typically include basic preventive services, such as checkups, cleanings, and X-rays, and sometimes special emergency exams and imaging. They also frequently include additional discounts on other in-office services. This can be a simple and effective way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for various procedures required to address your oral emergency.
Tip #2: Consider a Payment Plan
Another way many dentists help make procedures more affordable is by partnering with third-party lenders, such as CareCredit or Sunbit, to offer flexible financing. These low- to no-interest payment plans typically don’t have the same restrictions as traditional insurance, such as annual deductibles, waiting periods, or other criteria that must be met before they can be used.
Instead, if your application is approved, you can divide the total cost of your emergency visit into more manageable installments that are paid over a designated period, which can be easier on your budget.
Tip #3: Work with a Dental School
Depending on your circumstances, you might also find discounted dental treatments by seeking out a clinic that partners with a dental school for training. This allows a dentist-in-training to gain hands-on experience (with the supervision and oversight of a licensed dentist) while you receive care at a lower price point.
However, keep in mind that working with a dental school can be an effective way to reduce the rate for emergency exams and imaging, but it might not be ideal for more complex procedures, such as replacing missing teeth or addressing more severe decay or disease, which may require a specialist to address.
About the Author
Dr. Garrard is passionate about helping improve patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental degree from Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has since become an Invisalign Certified Provider and earned the Pre-Doctorate Award from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She offers a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day emergency visits and options for dental sedation so that you don’t have to wait long for relief if you’ve developed an emergency. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (903) 455-6075.