Affordable dental service is something that everyone is always on the lookout for. This information discusses a few options for the same.
Dental care is an extremely important part of maintaining oral hygiene. To maintain proper oral health, a person needs to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Since only the most primary dental care is covered by health insurance plans, more than 150 million Americans do not have dental coverage. Also, the treatment of teeth is very expensive in the US, and therefore many people are often on the lookout for dental services at affordable prices. Such services aren’t very easy to find as most people tend to get their treatment at private clinics. However, there are a few options that may help you save money.
Camps
Many dental schools offer free dental checkups and treatments on special occasions. These are dental camps which are organized on holidays or around Christmas time. This is a great opportunity to get a free checkup done. This will help you determine the type of treatment needed by you. Also the dentist at the camp may guide you about where to go next to get that treatment at the lowest possible price.
Schools
Check your area for a dental school since the students tend to practice on patients. Therefore these schools charge very less. However, you needn’t be worried about the quality of care since the students are not allowed to administer treatment until they are qualified professionals. Furthermore, each student’s work is monitored by a professor, so your teeth are in safe hands.
Charitable Organizations
There are many religious and charitable organizations that treat your teeth at low price. You may need to be a member of a particular community or club to avail this kind of treatment. These charitable and religious organizations often arrange for dental camps where you may get your treatment done for free, or by paying a very basic fee.
Other Options
It is often seen that local dental clinics tend to offer a discount for follow-up appointments. This also applies to dental clinics at teaching hospitals. Furthermore, if there is a new clinic that has opened in your vicinity, then it is possible that the dentist may charge you lesser, as it is still a start up venture.
Tips
- You can join a dental discount club which will offer you the services at a subsidized rate. This is especially helpful if you do not have dental insurance.
- Try to go in for cheaper treatment options when visiting the dentist. If you have caries in your posterior teeth, then opt for silver amalgam fillings rather than tooth-colored fillings. You may also try out some teeth whitening methods at home rather than visiting the dentist to get your teeth bleached. You may also visit a dental hygienist to get your teeth cleaned rather than going to a dentist.
- Check with your local Department of Health Services to guide you for better options depending on your income and ability to pay.
Thus, the aforementioned tips may help you find a good and affordable dental care plan that may suit your needs and increase your savings.
Disclaimer: This WellnessKeen article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.