Having dental insurance is great, but what if you don't have it? Or what if your insurance doesn't cover the treatment you need? Don't worry, there are still ways to get the dental care you need without insurance.
Introduction to Affording Dental Care
Dental care doesn't have to be expensive. With a little research, you can find ways to make dental care more affordable. If you don't have dental insurance, it can be difficult to afford the cost of dental care. Luckily, there are options for getting affordable dental care without insurance. From dental discount plans to payment plans, there are ways to get the care you need without breaking the bank. It's important to remember that dental care is an investment in your overall health. Neglecting your dental health can lead to serious medical issues down the road.
Exploring Your Options to Afford Dental Care
The first step to finding affordable dental care is to do your research. Start by asking your dentist for a list of payment options and look for offers your dentist has, you might be surprised at what your dental office offers for patients that do not have dental insurance.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Care Without Insurance
The cost of dental care without insurance can vary greatly depending on the type of care you need. The cost of a routine cleaning can range from $100 to $360, while a root canal can cost anywhere from $900 to $2,500. It's important to understand what services are covered by your insurance and what services are not. This will help you budget for out-of-pocket expenses.
Tip 1: Smile Club Membership
Dental discount plans are an affordable way to get discounted dental care. Our practice offer a membership, called Smile Club, to patient that do not have a dental insurance policy. Smile Club is a third-party provider that offers discounts on a variety of dental services, from routine cleanings to major procedures. The cost of Smile Club is around $350 to $675 a year. Smile Club offers professional dental cleanings, doctor exams, x-rays, an emergency exam (if needed), and 10% off other treatments. Keep in mind that this membership can only be used at our dental office as it is a membership offered by our practice.
Tip 2: Dental Credit Cards – CareCredit
Dental credit cards are another way to pay for dental care without insurance. Our practice accepts payment with CareCredit. This card is a credit card that can be used in medical offices such as dental offices, optometrists, hospitals, veterinarian offices, etc. This card allows you to pay for dental services over time.
The amount of interest you will pay depends on the payment plan you select. CareCredit offers a 0% interest rate if you pay your balance within 6 to 18 months without skipping a month's payment. If you miss a payment, interest will be applied to the beginning balance. CareCredit also offers payment plans of 24 months to 72 months with an interest rate, this rate varies.
CareCredit can be a great way to spread out the cost of a major dental procedure. Applying for CareCredit can be completed at home, but if you need some assistance, we can help you fill out the application in our office.
Tip 3: In-Office Payment Plans
Dental payment plans are a great way to pay for dental care without insurance. These plans allow you to spread out the cost of dental care over several months. Some plans may require an upfront payment, while others may require monthly payments. Our practice offers a 3-month in-office payment plan with 0% interest. We do ask patients to leave a card on file or a voided check for a bank draft to be completed.
Conclusion
Getting the dental care you need without insurance can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Consider Smile Club Membership, CareCredit, and in-office payment plans to help make dental care more affordable. When looking for affordable dental care, be sure to do your research and ask questions. You may be surprised to find that there are more affordable options than you think.
Give our office a call to discuss your options with us.