Even the cheapest dental procedures can cost more than $50, and expensive ones can run several thousand dollars. Dental work gets pricey. The insurance situation surrounding dental work can get messy as well, making attending to such issues expensive as well.
It’s because of those issues that there are so many ways to get cheap dental care. If you’re looking to save money on dental work, keep reading. We’ll look at common ways people save money on dental work.
Get Dental Work Done at a Dental School
New dentists need both demonstrative and hands-on lessons in how to perform procedures. If you don’t mind being used as a demonstration model, you can get a lot of cheap dental work done at a school.
A dental school procedure tends to take one and a half to two times as long as a conventional office procedure. Students and teachers need time to look at the procedure and offer comments. You’ll also often have to go over your medical history with each new appointment since new students cycle in and out all the time.
Get Second Opinions from Other Dentists
Even if the dentist you’ve had for years says you need a specific procedure, that dentist doesn’t have to be the final word. Go ask other dentists, or check in with a dental school. Some dentists get set in their ways or prefer performing some procedures to others.
That chip might be small enough not to necessitate an expensive root canal. A failing prior restoration might need less work than it looks like it does. Dentistry engages both the dentist’s skill and creativity.
The “best dentist near me” for your specific problem might not be the one you’ve had for 20 years. If you’re in the Solana Beach area, try reaching out to http://solanabeachdentistry.com/ for that second opinion.
Discount Dental Plans and Dental Insurance
Insurance and discount dental plans offer two different solutions to the expense of dentistry.
Dental insurance operates under the paradigm of insurance. It includes coverage limits and deductibles. Most follow a 100/80/50 structure, where the more major a procedure is, the less coverage it receives.
Discount dental plans charge a one-time annual fee and offer a significant discount with participating dentists. You have no coverage limits or deductible. The discount received varies.
Just Ask Your Dentist
While this option might sound ridiculous at first, dentists do sometimes provide discounts if asked. The best dentist may offer one out of kindness, but most ask for something in return as well. It never hurts to ask.
Dentists who provide discounts may ask you to refer patients to them. They may also give you a discount for paying in cash at the time of service or for committing to subsequent cleanings and check-ups at their practice.
Look at All Your Options
Dental work doesn’t have to break the bank. If you remain open-minded and inquisitive about procedures, you can often get the price down to something manageable.
Looking for more ways to save money? Take a peek at our frugal living section, where we go through all kinds of ways to cut down your expenses.