No Dental Insurance? Here's How to Avoid Breaking the Bank.

Did you know that more than 100 million Americans are without dental coverage?

For most people, a toothache that turns into an expensive procedure like a crown or implant can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.  Even routine check-ups with x-rays and a cleaning can add up to hundreds of dollars.  It is estimated that over one third of Americans have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months.  The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2013 includes emergency dental care for children only.  Adult consumers are left to find smart ways to reduce their costs without sacrificing their oral health.  Here are some ways to cut back on dental related costs:

• Consider a good dental plan.  Dental plans generally offer discounted fees with low premiums and no limit or "cap", no waiting periods on procedures, no exclusions and immediate coverage. Early on, the Obamacare website actually suggested "stand alone" dental plans for adults!

• Try having your dental care done at a Dental School Clinic.  Teaching facilities have amazingly skilled dentists and in most cases the cost is cheaper than a private practice facility. Not to mention they use the most state of the art equipment so that your experience is more comfortable.

• Space out your treatments.  If you have extensive work to be done, most dentists will work according to a treatment plan, and a "pay as you go" strategy can go a long way toward helping the patient so those out of pocket expenses don't have to break the bank all at once! 

• Eliminate Surprise Fees!   Make sure to always, ALWAYS get the cost for the treatment plan or procedure before you agree to have it done, or before you sign anything.  Many patients agree to procedures while they are in the chair and don't fully understand that there may be an additional cost...an exorbitant additional cost.  Keep yourself from sticker shock by asking first and discuss other options if you cannot afford the procedure.  

• Prevention, Prevention, Prevention!  The key to saving on dental costs (just like having your car worked on) is to fix small problems before they become big ones.  Have your teeth cleaned twice a year and don't skip that oral exam. 

Here is a parting thought for those of you in the market for dental coverage.  PLEASE check the benefits carefully when considering dental insurance.  The premiums will always be more than the pay out...coverage is always limited and there will almost always be a waiting period for expensive procedures. They want to make sure they have your premiums firmly in hand before the payouts begin. It's the truth....do your homework carefully! A good dental plan is more effective at saving you money than an insurance company will ever be. 

Keep Smiling!