Dental treatment can be extremely expensive especially for major procedures like root canals crowns, bridges and implants. According to the Health Policy Institute, the average out-of-pocket cost for dental services is $576 per person annually. Without dental insurance, paying these high bills outright can seem daunting.
If you’ve recently had dental work done and received a large, unexpected bill, don’t panic Here are 12 smart ways to pay for expensive dental costs so you can get the treatment you need without breaking the bank
1. Talk to your dentist about a payment plan
Most dental offices are willing to work with patients on payment plans, allowing you to pay your bill in fixed monthly installments over a set time period. Discuss a plan with your dentist – they may allow 3-6 months for repayment depending on the total cost. This spreads payments out over time, making them more manageable.
2. Apply for third-party financing
Companies like CareCredit offer special financing for healthcare costs, including dentistry You can apply for credit lines up to $25,000, then make fixed monthly payments to the lender at competitive interest rates This can help cover large, upfront dental expenses.
3. Use a 0% APR credit card
If you have good credit, you might want to put your dental bills on a credit card with a 2% APR. If you pay off the loan in full before the promotional period ends, which is usually between 12 and 18 months, you won’t have to pay interest. Just be sure to make payments on time!.
4. Tap into your flexible spending account (FSA)
You can take money out of your healthcare FSA before taxes to pay for dental costs if you have one through your job. Most flexible spending accounts (FSAs) let you get money back for any kind of dental care, like cleanings, fillings, crowns, braces, and more.
5. Take out a personal loan
Personal loans allow you to borrow a lump sum at a fixed rate, then repay it in predictable monthly installments. Interest rates are usually lower than credit cards. This can be an affordable way to finance major dental work if you qualify.
6. Use home equity
If you’re a homeowner with enough equity, a home equity loan or line of credit can provide funds for dental treatment at competitive rates. You’ll repay the debt over time while using your home as collateral. Make sure you understand all terms before borrowing.
7. Ask your dentist about discounts
Let your dentist know if cost is an issue. This is because many dentists will give you a 15% discount if you pay with cash or a check instead of credit. To cut costs, they might also be willing to use cheaper materials or generics when it makes sense. It never hurts to politely ask!.
8. Seek out dental schools
Dental schools often provide care at reduced prices since work is performed by students under supervision. Quality is high and wait times are longer. Still, you can save 20-60% on major procedures. Search for schools near you.
9. Look into dental tourism
For extensive treatment, the cost savings from dental tourism may outweigh travel expenses. Procedures performed abroad can cost 50-75% less. Do your research to find accredited dentists and clinics with high safety standards.
10. Join dental savings plans
Dental savings plans provide 10-60% discounts on treatments from partner dentists. Monthly fees are usually $80 or less. While not insurance, these plans can make care more affordable for the uninsured. Compare plans at DentalPlans.com.
11. Evaluate dental insurance options
If you’ll need significant dental work done, enrolling in a dental insurance plan may save you money in the long run. Compare group and individual dental plans to find the best coverage for your needs.
12. Ask about free or reduced-cost dental care
Look into free or discounted dental services from nonprofit clinics, dental schools, federally qualified health centers or state/local public health programs. Eligibility is often based on financial need. Your local health department can help you find low-cost options.
The key is not ignoring large dental bills. Explore all potential payment and financing options, talk to your dentist and take action quickly. With creativity and planning, you can likely find an affordable way to pay so that your oral health doesn’t suffer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – your dentist wants to help you gain access to the care you need.
8 Ways To Pay for Dental Work
Many people cover their dental work by combining several of the strategies below. It’s tough to avoid paying out-of-pocket entirely, but you can get a hefty discount off the original quote.
Dental work isn’t typically covered by medical insurance, but certain procedures may be covered if they’re deemed “medically necessary.” For instance, oral surgery potentially can be billed as a medical procedure. Before you move forward with any dental work, it’s a smart idea to talk to your medical insurance company to find out what may be covered.
You should know that there’s a difference between a dental office that takes your insurance and a dental office that is in-network. A dentist may take your insurance even though they are out-of-network.
When a dentist says that they take your insurance, that likely means that they will file an insurance claim for you. But if your insurance doesn’t cover a procedure or service, the price will generally be set at your dentist’s discretion — and you’ll typically be responsible for paying the costs out-of-pocket.
Generally, using an out-of-network dentist means your insurance will cover less and you’ll pay more. Being in-network, on the other hand, usually means that your insurance company has pre-negotiated the fees with the dentist and they generally can’t charge more than that. So you’ll usually pay less with an in-network dentist.
Paying a bill on a weekly or monthly basis can be much more manageable than paying it in a lump sum. That’s why many dental offices offer payment plans for procedures not covered by insurance.
Payment plans can be offered directly through your dentist’s office, or by third-party services like CareCredit. Ask about the specific terms of any payment plan offered. For example:
• What procedures qualify for a payment plan?
• Will they charge interest? And if so, how much?
• Do they have to check your credit first?
Asking these questions beforehand can help keep you from getting blindsided by unexpected costs.
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A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a special savings account offered through some employer benefit plans. FSAs allow employees to pay for certain out-of-pocket medical and dental costs with tax-free money.
The typical taxpayer saves about 30% in federal, state, Social Security, Medicare, and Unemployment taxes. That translates to a 30% discount off all eligible medical and dental expenses.
FSA rules cap the amount of money that can be placed in the account each year ($3,050 for 2023), and also dictate which types of expenses are FSA-eligible. Most routine dental work and orthodontia qualify: cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, extractions, implants, and Invisalign.
FSAs can’t be used for any procedure that is considered “cosmetic,” including teeth whitening and veneers. But in some instances, if a typically cosmetic procedure is deemed medically necessary — as with some veneers — you may be able to use your FSA. Talk to your dental insurance company for more information.
One drawback of FSAs is that any funds that are unused at the end of the plan year are forfeited — so make sure you don’t leave any money on the table. In the plus column, because FSAs are funded with pre-tax dollars, they reduce your taxable income, which is always nice.
How to get affordable dental care without insurance | ABC7
Should you pay a dental bill on a weekly or monthly basis?
Paying a bill on a weekly or monthly basis can be much more manageable than paying it in a lump sum. That’s why many dental offices offer payment plans for procedures not covered by insurance. Payment plans can be offered directly through your dentist’s office, or by third-party services like CareCredit.
Where can I get a dental payment plan?
Many dental clinics in the US offer dentistry payment plans. The obvious place to start is your regular dentist. If they don’t offer payment plans, they might be able to suggest a nearby clinic that does. You can also call 866-383-0748 to find a dentist who offers payment plans in your area.
Can I pay my dental bill in cash?
If you are able to pay for your dental work upfront with cash, you may qualify for a cash discount. Ask your dentist if he can offer you a tax-free amount if you can pay your bill in a lump sum on the spot. Often, paying in cash can allow your dentist to avoid processing costs or third party costs via dental financing.
What if I can’t find a dentist with payment plans?
If you can’t find a dentist with payment plans near you, or if none of the plans offered suits you, a dental loan or credit card could be a suitable alternative. You might expect that your dentist receives a commission on any third-party financing arranged through them. In fact, the opposite is true – they usually have to pay a fee to the provider.