Many people have dental insurance to make their visits to the dentist easier on their pockets. However, plenty of people don’t have a policy. If you fall into this group, then you might avoid getting the care you need because of the expected cost. This can be especially troubling if you are experiencing an oral health emergency, but there are ways you can make your trip more affordable. Here are three tips to get the urgent care you need on a budget.
Tip #1: Consider a Dental Savings Plan
As mentioned above, not everyone has dental insurance. Several practices offer a dental savings plan as an alternative. You pay an annual fee that saves you money on a wide range of treatments. Your preventive care may be covered, but you can enjoy discounts on other services, potentially including emergency visits. Better yet, there are no waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums. It’s a great way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Tip #2: Use Third-Party Financing
You may still be worried about a hit on your bank account, but you can talk to your dentist about third-party financing. They may take things like Cherry, which can break down the total cost into low- to no-interest monthly payments. That way, you can easily divide the price and make it easier on your budget overall.
Tip #3: Go to a Dental School
Depending on the situation you’re experiencing, you can try looking into clinics that partner with dental schools. These spaces are great for students training to become dentists. A licensed provider will be there offering supervision, but you get the care you need at a lower price. That said, the more complex your problem, this route may not be the most ideal.
Along the same lines, consider looking for government clinics that offer dental services. Many professionals volunteer in these spaces, so you can get the treatments you need without worrying about your wallet.
Although not having insurance can make you nervous about going to the dentist, don’t let it stop you during a dental emergency. You deserve to have your situation handled, so remember the tips above so you feel more confident taking care of your smile.
About the Practice
Experiencing a dental emergency? Our team at Timber Dental is dedicated to helping local communities with these urgent visits. Led by skilled dentists, we offer same-day appointments to get to the bottom of the issue and give you effective solutions. We also accept Cherry and offer a dental savings plan; that way, you make getting the care you need easier. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our Bethany office at (503) 831-8688.