Going to the dentist can be scary.
Not because of the high-powered drill or that suction thingy.
The average American spent $430 on dental care in 2020, according to theAmerican Dental Association.
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Its no wonder 37% of American adults reported skipping their yearly dentist appointment, according toCDC data.
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7 Affordable Dental Care Options
1.
Many operate on a sliding scale system while others offer flexible payment plans.
Wait lists are often long, so reach out to your local clinic as soon as possible.
Call the dental school nearest to you and see whats available.
Thislist of dental schoolswill get you started.
Charitable Organizations
Several nonprofit programs offer braces and other professional dental services for kids.
Finding and qualifying for similar charity programs for adults, however, can be much more challenging.
Several subsidized or free dental care programs are available to help children from low-income families.
Smiles Change Livesoffers braces to children ages 7 and up.
you could find out if you are financially eligible for Smiles Change Lives by usingthis tool.
Applicants must submit a personal essay about why braces are necessary and how getting them will impact the child.
Letters of support are optional but encouraged.
The American Association of Orthodontists provides a list ofDonated Orthodontic Services.
Theres an app process, and some potentially lengthy wait times.
Your total family income must be 200% of the federal poverty level or less to qualify.
If your child is accepted into the program, youll owe a $200 administrative fee.
TheSmile for a Lifetime Foundationis a nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic treatments for underserved patients ages 8-18.
Fees include $20 for the tool, as well as a $480 investment fee.
The organization brings volunteers and dentists together to provide care and education to underserved children.
National GKAS Day is the first Friday of February each year.
Services include screenings, oral health education and treatment.
Give Kids A Smile programs often take place on only one day during the year.
Be sure to inquire about the date of the program and which services are offered.
But your teeth need care, too!
The donated services from dentists cover oral care, dentures, bridges, crowns and other tooth repair.
Qualification requirements and availability of services vary by state.
Use Coupons and Discounts
Trying to save money on dental care?
Look for discounts and coupons on sites likeGrouponandValpak.
One office even offered $700 toward dental implants for just $40!
Check back if you dont see any deals the first time.
Both Groupon and Valpak add new coupons frequently.
Some dentists offer a discount for paying cash, too, instead of having to bill insurance.
Ask if you’re able to receive a discount for referring a friend.
Or see if theyll reduce their rate if you leave a stellar (and truthful!
For dental care without insurance, look atDentalPlans.com.
The site doesnt provide free services or insurance coverage.
Instead it allows you to receive discounted dental care.
Government Insurance Programs
Several government subsidized health insurance programs provide affordable dental care to children and adults.
Qualifying for a tax credit could save you hundreds of dollars a year on your dental insurance premiums.
States are required to providedental benefitsto children enrolled in Medicaid and theChildrens Health Insurance Program(CHIP).
But dental coverage isnt guaranteed for adults on Medicaid.
Even if your state Medicaid program includes dental for adults, it may not cover much.
To find the Medicaid office contact information for your state,click here.
The VA provides dental care to qualified veterans at over 200 dental clinics across the country.
Here are theeligibility requirements.
If you think you qualify, you cansubmit an app.
Once its processed, youll know exactly which benefits you qualify for.
If youre enrolled in VA health care, youre eligible for this program.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesnt provide routine dental coverage.
However, Medicare Advantage plans which are administered by private insurance companies usually provide some dental benefits.
Nearly all Medicare Advantage plans that include dental offer coverage for oral exams, cleanings and X-rays.
you could use theMedicare Plan Findertool to compare different Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage in your area.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
Former editor Dana Miranda contributed.
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