What are dental options for the uninsured?

Question

I make pretty good money, but my company doesn't have dental insurance and I don't really want to drop $1000 for a crown. Are there any options for those who don't have dental insurance but don't qualify for medicaid or other low-income places?

Answer 1

I really have a problem with the way our government is handling the medical problems of it's citizens. I don't have dental coverage either, and believe me after having to shell out seven hundred dollars for two teeth to be removed plus anesthesia I was mortified. You at least have a job. I don't because I'm on disability (no prescription cov either). What are people like us supposed to do? I guess we have two choices. Let your teeth decay, and fall out or go to a private dentist, and pay up the nose. In your case because you are employed, and make a good salary you should be able to pay on a payment plan with your dentist because they do have them. Why not try to find out if they have a dental college in your area? If they do I would take a chance depending on the severity of your problem. I think it would be less expensive than a private dentist.

Answer 2

YES! What a great question! There are so many people in your shoes, its time this was addressed.


Heres something that can help you with the cost of that, no need to pay thru the nose. they are your teeth, you should be able to feel good about them.

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Answer 3

I live near Buffalo New york and The university of Buffalo has a dental school. The school runs a dental clinic that provide low cost treatment to patients. The service is provided by dental students near graduation to provide the patient low cost care and
the student needed experience working on patients. I don't know where you live but you might want to see if there are any dental schools with similar services

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Well, if you're already in need of some dental work, like a crown as you cited above, I'm not sure what to do other than find the thousand bucks. Sometimes people will work a payment plan with you, but I've never done that with dentists, only physicians and hospitals. If you're not in need of any immediate dental work, just FLOSS and Brush regularly, and watch what you eat. God Bless you.

Answer 6

1. Open a savings account for dental expenses.
2. Take allowable deductions for unreimbursed expenses.
3. Evaluate dental discount plans.
4. Pay expenses with pretax dollars.
5. Visit dental schools.
6. Get an interest-free credit card.
7. Check out plans offered by trade associations.
8. Practice prevent defense.

Answer 7

No matter what insurance you may have, dental work isn't gonna be covered entirely. If you need to have anything done at the dentist, they set up an account for you, so you can make monthly payments. My friend does that since her insurance isn't the best. If you have been going to the same dentist for months or years, they can make you an account, and you can pay on it however you'd like. Just ask them about it and they should be able to set you up. Good luck!

Answer 8

A friend found this answer: Go to the local medical school and there should be a dental school. The dental school has major reduced charges and some services are free.

Have you gone to a dentist and told them you have NO insurance. Would they please discount your services, e.g., per hour rather than a measured filling, etc.

Answer 9

If your in a large city, some health depts will do it on a sliding scale. I also used to work for Sears and their dental offices only charge $500 for crowns, last I checked.

You wouldn't want medicaid anyway, they don't pay for good crowns.

Answer 10

Dental schools may have time to schedule you for a procedure. There are probably waiting lists. In addition, you will probably sit there all day since it takes the students more time to do the work bc they're learning.

You could do a small loan, or use a credit card. Many offices today want that Visa or Mastercard number - then the office doesn't even have to "finance" it.

If you have an established Dentist who does know you - you could explain your circumstance. Often they will finance free, or at a nominal interest rate for 12 mos. or less. Depends on their policies.

My crowns cost me $1400. (2) My dentist let me pay for it over a few months.