If you're thinking, "I need dental work but I have no money," you’re not alone. In fact, approximately 68.5 million adults in the United States don’t have dental insurance, leaving many people without the care they need simply due to cost.
Thankfully, there are many options available today, so price no longer needs to be a barrier to fixing common dental emergencies with no insurance. These issues can cause significant pain and discomfort, making it imperative to get the care you need right away.
Navigating dental care costs without insurance can feel scary, but it's important to know that you have options. Ignoring dental issues due to financial constraints can lead to more severe health problems down the line. Fortunately, there are several resources and services designed to help you manage dental procedure costs without breaking the bank.
All those talented dentists need to learn how to do their jobs somewhere, and dental schools are the place. Dental programs at accredited universities need their students to practice their craft on real people to get a sense of how the process works. With that in mind, since these individuals are still in a learning phase, they make low-cost dental care available to low-income families in the area.
The dental students themselves are not employed, so they don’t make any money from their treatment. Most of the time, you only need to pay the price of equipment and materials used, such as toothpaste or fluoride. Some schools might even offer free dental care for uninsured individuals.
While work from a dental school is done by someone in the learning stages, every student is supervised by a licensed dental professional. So you don’t need to worry that the quality of care is sub-par. In fact, since these students are so focused on doing a good job, you might get some of the best care ever from a dental clinic.
Most dental schools offer regular checkups and simple dental work, like fillings. But if you need orthodontic treatment like dentures or teeth extraction, you might need to look elsewhere.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have three federally funded programs to help individuals with lower income gain access to healthcare: Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.
Medicare is reserved for elderly individuals aged 65 and over, and it covers people with specific disabilities. Under Medicare, dental coverage is limited, and this includes routine cleanings.
With that said, Medicare might cover specific dental procedures that you’d receive if you were in a hospital setting, and it can pay for hospital stays if you need to have emergency dental care.
Medicaid is a state-run service that provides medical benefits to eligible individuals. Since it is state-run, each state has different regulations regarding how the plan covers dental care.
Children under Medicaid are more likely to get coverage than adults. Dental services for children enrolled in Medicaid must include relief of pain and infections, maintenance of dental health, and restoration of teeth that have become damaged.
For adults, most states will provide emergency dental care under Medicaid. However, less than half currently provide comprehensive dental care, including cleanings, fillings, or other similar services.
If you have a child under the age of 19 who needs health insurance, the CHIP program can provide services. It provides medical coverage and dental coverage (in most cases). While services covered vary by the state, just like Medicaid, you can expect that most states will allow your child to receive comprehensive dental care without needing to pay out of pocket for services.
Research universities or colleges are often conducting clinical trials to learn more about oral and dental health. These trials are often used to try out new equipment, technology, and more before it is released to the public.
By volunteering for these studies, you receive consistent medical care and close monitoring by a team of health professionals — all for free. Sometimes, you might even get paid for your involvement. Not to mention, you get to make an important contribution to medical research.
Of course, these are trials, so the outcome is never certain. And while you might run the risk of adverse effects, keep in mind that these trials are run by some of the brightest minds in dental care. You might be lucky enough to receive remarkable dental care before anyone else in the country.
Community health centers are federally supported health clinics aimed at making health care affordable. These are often run by licensed dentists or healthcare professionals to increase access to healthcare for individuals without insurance.
The cost of care at these facilities is usually determined on a sliding scale, varying depending on what you can afford. To learn more about these facilities in your area, visit the National Association of Community Health Centers to find one nearest you.
The Dental Lifeline Network is a nonprofit organization that can help individuals aged 65 and over get the dental care they need. The network is composed entirely of volunteer dentists and it runs on donations, so the cost of care is free.
With that in mind, the waitlist is long, so if you need emergency dental care, you might need to look elsewhere. But for routine checkups and cleanings, this is a great option.
Some dental providers offer major discounts on dental care by paying a low monthly fee every month. In turn, you’ll receive up to 60% off on routine procedures. It’s sort of like insurance, but the difference is that monthly fees are lower, and you’ll pay more out of pocket for every procedure.
You can only receive services from the participating dentist to receive the discount. There are usually no annual limits or deductibles, so this is a good choice if you have one trusted dentist that you like to go to for regular services.
One of the best ways to manage dental expenses is to prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place. Here are some key practices to help you maintain optimal oral health and avoid costly dental work:
Brushing and flossing are the most important steps to take for maintaining oral health. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush for two minutes, covering each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds. Use gentle, circular motions and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums to effectively remove plaque and food debris
Flossing is equally important as it removes food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline that brushing might miss. Floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Smoking is a major risk factor for various oral health problems, including gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Smokers also have a slower healing rate, increasing the risk of infections. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your smile and reduce the need for dental treatments.
A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can benefit your dental health due to their high nutritional value and calcium content. These foods help strengthen teeth and gums. Avoid sugary and starchy foods that promote bacterial growth and lead to tooth decay.
Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about affording dental work.
If you have a tooth infection and no money, it's still important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid serious complications. Infections can escalate quickly and may even become fatal if untreated.
Community health clinics or dental schools sometimes provide low-cost or free services. Delaying treatment for a severe infection can lead to more serious health risks. Speak to a healthcare professional immediately if you’re in pain.
The cheapest way to fix teeth involves basic restorative procedures like fillings or extractions. Preventative care, such as regular cleanings and check-ups, can save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues.
For those with or without insurance, services like those listed above can offer significant help, making care more accessible.
Sources:
Dental services | Medicare.gov
What is a Community Health Center? | NACHC
Dental Care: Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth | Kaiser Permanente
Effects of smoking and vaping on oral health | BetterHealth
