No Dental Insurance?Dental discount card or full coverage dental?If you have no dental insurance, you are not alone. In this economy, benefits have taken a turn for the worse leaving consumers searching for ways to finance their dental care. Is dental insurance necessary for everyone?
For some, it makes the most sense to forgo dental insurance and pay as you go. Add up the cost of your basic dental care (cleanings, exams, and radiographs) for the year and factor in your dental history. Has it been years since you needed additional dental work? Or do you need a filling or crown quite often?
Your dentist can help you review your history and evaluate your risk for needing additional work. No one knows for sure what your dental future holds but past trends and current conditions are very helpful.
Save money
If you decide that no dental insurance is a good way to go, there are several ways to save money on your dental bill.
Compare Prices - There is a big price range for dental care. Since some dentists offer a low price for the basics but are on the high end for major work, be sure to compare more than one service. Three good procedures to compare are cleaning and exam, one surface filling, and crown. Be sure to ask if the quoted fee is the total charge for the procedure or if additional charges are possible.
Ask about discounts - A lot of dentists offer discounts to provide more affordable dental treatment to their clients. Dental discounts can be given for seniors, families, military, or cash payment. Dental payment plans - Some dentists offer payment plans or financing. Good to know what the options are if you happen to need more than basic dental care.
Inexpensive dental insuranceGoing without dental insurance may not work for you. Some types of dental insurance to consider are:
With any dental plan, be sure you...Have a clear understanding of what is covered and what is not covered. Every plan is different and it can be very confusing.Ask your dentist if they have experience with the plan you are considering. Some dental plans will require that you use a participating dentist. Take your time and follow these steps for finding a good dentist. You still have a choice and they are not all the same. Thorough research from the start ensures that you won't have any unpleasant surprises and helps you avoid the hassle transfering your records and starting all over with a new dentist.
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