Need to keep your teeth healthy without breaking the bank?
Regular dental exams are one of those boring things everyone knows they should be doing. But millions of Americans skip them every year due to cost.
Here’s the problem…
Trying to save money by skipping the dentist usually backfires. Minor issues become major (and expensive) emergencies. That routine visit you skipped to save $200 suddenly costs you $2000.
The good news is there are ways to budget for dentist appointments and find free dental exams. Finding affordable dental care is easier than you think once you learn a few tricks.
Let’s dive in…
What you’ll learn:
- Why you should budget for dental checkups
- How much dentist appointments really cost
- 5 Ways to budget for your next dental visit
- How to get free or cheap dental exams
Why Budgeting For Dental Checkups is Important
Let’s start with a little trivia…
ValuePenguin recently conducted a study which showed that 34.1% of adults hadn’t been to the dentist within the past year.
That’s crazy when you think about it. 1 in 3 adults skipped basic preventive care.
But when asked why, the most common response was cost.
A recent study done by the ADA Health Policy Institute found that 13% of the population experienced barriers to dental care due to cost.
That’s almost double the % of Americans who reported cost barriers to medical care, prescriptions drugs, or eyeglasses (which range from 4-5%).
Let that sink in for a minute.
Dental care is the most common health service that people SKIP because of money.
But here’s the crazy part… Preventive dental care like routine cleanings and checkups are some of the cheapest services dentists provide.
When you skip them, you’re left with cavities, gum disease, root canals, and extractions that cost 10x more than your annual checkup.
Budgeting for routine visits isn’t just smart… It’s the cheapest way to manage your oral health.
How Much Do Routine Dental Visits Actually Cost?
Knowing exactly what you’re budgeting for is half the battle. A regular dental checkup that includes an exam, cleaning, and X-rays will usually cost between $50 and $350.
Prices vary depending on where you live and whom you visit, but the national average cost for a full routine visit is $200.
Here’s how those prices break down:
- Dental exam: $50-$175
- Professional cleaning: $75-$200
- X-rays: $25-$225
Those costs might seem daunting without dental insurance. But they’re very manageable when you use the methods below.
5 Ways to Smartly Budget for Your Dental Expenses
All of the methods below have been used by thousands (if not millions) of people who keep their dental costs low. Read through the entire list and take action on the ones that apply to you.
Dental Savings Plan
Did you know you can pay a yearly fee and receive access to discounted dental rates?
A dental savings plan is like a “membership club” for your teeth. For a low annual fee ($80 to $200) you unlock access to reduced rates on cleanings, exams, and procedures.
Plans typically save members 15-20% off “normal” pricing. Some plans also offer free preventive dental visits as part of their membership perks.
Dental savings plans are a great choice if you:
- Don’t have access to dental insurance through work
- Are self-employed
- Just outgrew your parent’s dental insurance plan
DSNs are not insurance. Think of them as gift cards for your teeth. There are no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no claims process. Visit a network dentist, flash your card, pay your discounted rate. Easy.
Visit a Dental School
Ok this one is kind of a game changer if you have a dental school nearby…
Dental schools in every state offer routine cleanings, exams, and procedures at ridiculously low prices. Patients usually receive high-quality care because students provide the treatment under the supervision of licensed dentists.
There are often opportunities to receive a free dental exam or discounted exam simply by visiting a local dental school. It takes a little longer than visiting a normal dentist, but the savings are worth it.
Community Health Centers
Community health middles offer dental services on a descending scale based on income. Essentially the less money you make, the less you pay.
Depending on the center you can find many that offer:
- Free dental exams and cleanings
- Discounted fillings, extractions, teeth cleanings
- Emergency dental services at reduced costs
Search your city or “community dental clinic near me” to see what’s available in your area.
Use HSA/FSA Funds
If you consume a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA) at work, you can use that money to pay for routine dentist visits.
Both accounts allow you to contribute pre-tax income to a special account for medical expenses. The best part? You pay for dental care with “tax free dollars”.
Even if you set aside $20-$30 per month you’ll have enough to cover two routine checkups per year. That’s a small investment now that can save you from massive bills later.
Ask Your Dentist About Payment Plans
This is a little taboo to some, but your dentist wants to help you.
Many dentists offer in-house payment plans that allow you to pay for treatment over a few months. There are even third party payment companies dentists can work with to offer you 0% interest payment plans.
The worst thing you can do is avoid going to the dentist altogether. Call your dentist, get on their payment plan, and take care of your teeth.
Finding Free Dental Exams
Scoring a free dental exam isn’t as difficult as you may think. Start looking at these options:
- Dental schools: Students provide most services for free or at a discount to new patients
- Community health centers: Nonprofit centers that care based on your ability to pay
- Free dental days: Organizations typically host free dentistry events every month
- Government programs: Medicaid often covers dental services at low or no cost
The trick is being aggressive. These resources are available but you have to find them.
Wrapping it all Up
Budgeting for regular dentist appointments isn’t as hard as you think. In fact, everyone can afford to go to the dentist using the strategies above.
Lets review:
- Understand the TRUE cost of routine dental visits
- Use a dental savings plan as an alternative to insurance
- Look into dental schools and community clinics for low-cost exams
- Setup an HSA or FSA account to pay with pre-tax money
- Ask your dentist about payment plans or funding options
Remember… Preventative care costs less than emergency care. Every dollar you spend on a routine dentist visit today could save you five dollars in the future.
Stop avoiding that dentist appointment. Budget wisely and take advantage of every option available to you.
