It’s no secret that having dental insurance is a good thing. However, if you don’t have dental insurance it doesn’t mean you can’t still receive dental care. See, with medical insurance you have to have insurance. A simple illness can cost you thousands of dollars, as they charge you for things such as time spent with you, supplies and anesthesia. The difference is that dentists compete with each other on the basis of fees, while physicians do not. Dentists do not charge you separately because they used a numbing agent before treating a problem. They only charge you for the service provided, whether it be a cleaning, filling, x-rays, or surgery.
So what do you do if you have no dental insurance? It’s easy, you have options.
Alternatives to Dental Insurance
First remember that it’s important to have dental insurance. It truly can help you offset high costs, especially if you need extensive restorative work done. If the offer comes along, it may be a better alternative to take the insurance, than take the options listed below.
Out-Of-Pocket- You can always pay for your dental care out of your pocket. Generally, you can schedule a consultation with your dentist after x-rays are taken. The dentist should already know that you have no insurance based on the forms you have to fill out when you first arrive. During the consultation, you and your dentist can come up with a 1-2 year plan that allows you to save for specific treatments. Your dentist will be able to advise you on prioritizing the treatment steps, and will also be able to design a plan that you can afford. Remember, dentists compete for your business based on fees they set for their services. Consulting with a few different dentists isn’t a bad idea, especially when you have to pay out-of-pocket. Especially when you’ll have to pay up-front for services rendered.
Financing- You need to keep in mind that dentists are not banks. They have no way of checking your credit, and if they did, they have no legal status like lenders do. That said, dentists are not fool’s. Recently, several different finance companies (Wells Fargo, Care Credit, Henry Schein, etc.) have been arranging loans that can be used at any medical facility, including dental offices. In most cases, these companies can yield results within minutes, as the dentist can apply for the loan on your behalf using their offices internet and computers. If you are approved, you simply sign an agreement, the money goes to the dentist immediately, and you receive your treatment beginning then. In most cases, you do not need to wait for anything else before dental care can start, nor do you have to pay any expenses during each visit. Plus, most dentists will pay the interest on the loan for the first year for the patient. Of course, keep in mind that if you do not have sufficient credit, you may be turned down and forced to either pay out-of-pocket expenses or seek dental insurance.
Almost all dentists accept both forms of payment listed above. Of course, it’s important to check around for an affordable dentist that is close by. If you can find one who is willing to help you, you may be able to begin receiving dental care right away.
Coupons and Discounts
If you don’t have dental insurance it may be a good idea to watch for advertisements sent out by dentists in your area. They usually send out flyers offering free cleanings, x-rays and consultations. This could be a great opportunity for you to get into the dentist for a low price to see exactly what’s going on, and possibly begin a treatment plan. Generally, (because dentists compete for your business) they will inform you or allow you to use coupons that are sent out at later dates. This could be a big help if you extend your treatment plan to two years because you are paying out-of-pocket expenses. Again, this will vary based on the dentist you choose.
Learn more about reducing your dental costs.
