Dental care is important for children and adults to maintain good overall health and oral hygiene. While cleanings and check-ups should be completed two times a year, the cost can be expensive for those without dental insurance. Not to mention that even some dental insurance excludes certain dental procedures, or places limitations on coverage. This guide explores low cost dental care and treatment resources available to children and adults who may be without insurance, or may need a supplement to their current dental insurance.
Low Cost Dental Care Places
1. Dental Schools
Students in dental schools and dental hygiene training need hands-on experience and offer dental school low cost care. Most dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association have teaching facilities through clinics, for dental students to obtain experience in real-life situations and with actual patients. Students are fully supervised under the guidance of experienced, licensed dentists who may also be faculty members at the school.
While routine dental care for good oral health and hygiene may be provided by newer dental students and dental hygiene students, more invasive procedures like dental implants and root canals may be provided only by post-graduate students. Some dental schools also offer a low cost dental clinic with services provided by faculty and observed by dental students and dental hygiene students.
A tiered fee system may be in place, with newer dental students providing the least expensive care and treatment, often associated with routine cleanings and check-ups, and post-graduate and faculty clinics costing a little more and providing more specialized care and treatment.
2. Discount Dental Plans
Those with or without dental insurance may find a discount dental plan is right for their situation. Dental insurance covers most routine and preventative dental care, as well as more invasive dental treatment; however, sometimes, there are restrictions. For example, a pre-existing condition may be excluded, there may be coverage limits imposed each year, or waiting periods may be required before any type of care or treatment is available.
Discount dental plans do not have such limitations, as they are not insurance, but rather a membership plan that allows members to receive discounted treatment and care on certain dental procedures through a network of participating providers. Membership through a discount dental plan often ranges from about $80 to $200 per year, making them more affordable than most dental insurance policies, or a good alternative to supplemental insurance that may have the same limitations as the primary dental insurance.
Services through participating providers are typically discounted between 10% and 60%, significantly reducing the cost of expensive dental procedures. Additionally, some discount dental plans cover some preventative dental care at no additional cost.
3. State Dental Associations
Most states have a professional dental association for practicing dentists, orthodontists, endodontists, and others in the dental profession, with many offering low cost dental work and patient assistance programs.
While these assistance programs can vary by state, they may offer free or greatly reduced dental care through partnering community or non-profit organizations, or directly through a dental care provider who allocates a portion of time to offer patient assistance. Individuals should inquire with the state dental association to learn about resources available in their area.
4. Clinical Trials and Research
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and federally funded researchers often need volunteers for research and clinical trials. Researchers typically provide clinical trial participants with free or low cost dental care related to the dental equipment, treatment, and care they are researching. In addition to assistance with treatment and follow-up care, some also provide allowances for travel-related expenses such as mileage and meals for the patient and a caregiver.
Clinical trials may include rare conditions such as tumors of the mouth and gums, or conditions of the salivary glands, as well as routine oral health and more common procedures such as tooth extraction or impacted wisdom teeth. A full range of dental procedures can be accessible to patients for free or a reduced price.
5. Government Resources
Federally-funded programs include Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP. While each of these programs have limitations and qualifying guidelines, all provide some form of dental care.
Medicare is health insurance for disabled individuals and those age 65 and older. It offers limited dental coverage that is an integral part of other Medicare-covered procedures, such as jaw reconstruction as necessary care for an accident.
Medicaid coverage is administered through the state, meaning qualifications and coverage varies from state-to-state. For those under the age of 21, routine dental care and treatment to relieve pain are often covered through Medicaid, while orthodontia is typically excluded. Those over the age of 21 typically receive emergency care; however, some states also provide routine dental treatment. CHIP covers most dental care, routine and comprehensive, for children up to the age of 19 without health insurance. Like Medicaid, coverage and limitations for CHIP vary by state.
Conclusion
Dental care is necessary for good oral health and the prevention of pain and discomfort. While care and treatment can be expensive, there are a variety of resources offering low cost dental care or even free services. Local dental schools, nonprofit organizations in the community, and state dental associations are good resources to locate available services. If you’ve ever had dental work done at any of the places mentioned in this list, let us know about your experience down below. Similarly, if you know of other low cost dental care solutions, share them with us.
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