7 Ways to Save Money on Dental Care

Many people are hesitant to go to the dentist, and dental costs are the top reason for not scheduling a visit. Below are average prices of common dental procedures: 

• Dental crown: $1,100 to $1,300

• Dentures: $1,000 to $28,000 

• Tooth extraction: Up to $300 per tooth without insurance 

• Wisdom teeth removal: Between $200 and $1,100 per tooth  

Luckily, there are numerous ways you can save money on dental care. 

What makes dental care so expensive?

Dental care is an important part of your oral and overall health, but it can be expensive as well. Some of the factors that can affect the total price of dental care, include:

• The complexity of the dental procedures performed

• How long your dental procedure takes

• Frequency of visits (delayed care can result in more costly procedures in the future)

• The dental office’s overhead costs

• The condition of your teeth and gums

• The materials used in your treatment (for example, crowns can come in various substances)

• The experience and qualifications of the dentist, specialist, and staff

• Technology used during the treatment

• The use of infection control 

• Whether you’re covered by regular health insurance

• Whether you use emergency dental services

• Geographic location (which affects how far you have to travel for for dental care)

7 ways to cut costs on dental care and save more money

Dental care can be expensive depending on where you live and your oral health needs. Here are seven money-saving tips for finding affordable dental care:

1. Compare dental insurance plans 

Dental insurance works like health insurance, but it helps you save money on costs related to dental and gum health.

Depending on the type of coverage you have, your insurance may include preventive care (cleanings), basic care (fillings), restorative care (crowns), and other procedures. However, even the best affordable dental insurance may only cover some costs. 

Before buying dental insurance, you’ll want to compare plans to find the best fit for your budget and situation. Considerations may include:

• Does the plan offer individual and family plans? 

• What is the maximum annual benefit? 

• How much are monthly premiums? 

• How large is the participating provider network?

• What types of plans are available? (dental HMO, PPO, or other types) 

• Is there a waiting period before coverage begins?

• Does the plan offer special allowances?

• Are there any exclusions?

• What is the enrollment fee, if any?

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Paying for cleanings: Regular dental cleanings are recommended to keep your mouth healthy, but how much can you expect to pay without insurance? Learn more about the cost and options for affordable dental checkups. 

• Medicaid coverage for dental: Certain states offer dental services through Medicaid. See if you meet the Medicaid requirements for dental care.

• Anxious about visiting a dentist? Quality dentists won’t judge or make you feel uncomfortable. Read about some strategies you can take to minimize dental anxiety and get the care you need.

For example, you might search for a plan that includes your current dentist in its network or has plenty of participating dental providers nearby. Or you might look for one with a variety of price tiers. People often think cheap dental insurance is the best pick. However, it’s important to assess the types of services you are likely to need within the year. 

This can help you decide between a low-cost, basic plan for general dental health and a higher-cost, comprehensive plan for major services like oral surgery. Depending on the plan, orthodontia may be covered as well.   

2. Purchase a dental savings plan 

Even without dental insurance, you can save by buying a dental savings plan. While some major insurers offer this option, it’s not to be confused with dental insurance. 

A dental savings (or discount) plan works by having a network of dentists who accept a discounted, pre-negotiated amount for dental services and treatments. This can lower your out-of-pocket costs. 

People sometimes buy discount plans because they:

• Are unable to afford dental insurance

• Maxed out their plan’s annual benefit payout

• Are not expecting frequent visits to the dentist 

Members are provided a discount card that allows them to automatically receive reduced rates. If you have both a discount plan and dental insurance (and depending on the dentist), you may be able to use your dental discount plan after reaching your maximum annual insurance benefit.

3. Visit a dental school 

Getting dental work done at a dental school is another possible cost-saver. You can contact dental schools directly for clinic hours and information on available treatments and procedures, which are generally offered at reduced rates. Some dental schools require that you meet certain requirements to receive care there. They may ask you for information on:

• Income 

• Household size  

• Marital status

• Number of dependents

Usually, dental students provide general services, with oversight by a faculty dentist. Because these appointments are part of the students’ training, they may take longer than a typical visit to the dentist. In some cases, fees may be up to 50% lower, depending on where you live and the type of clinic you visit.

4. Negotiate 

If you receive a higher bill than anticipated from your dentist, try negotiating it down with these three steps:

1. Contact the billing department. Start by explaining your financial situation. In some cases, you may be asked to verify income to show that you are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise financially challenged. 

2. Ask the cash price. By paying upfront with cash or by check, you may get a percentage discount. Some dental-related cash prices are available through the Free Market Medical Association’s search tool.

3. Request a payment plan. Making affordable monthly payments can make it easier to pay off medical debt. 

Be cautious about paying by credit card — interest can increase the total amount you end up spending.

5. Visit community health centers

You might consider scheduling an appointment at a community health center. These community-based clinics are often located in underserved areas and may offer routine and specialty dental services on a sliding fee scale. Appointments and availability of major services may be limited. Visit the HRSA Data Clearinghouse to find your closest clinic, or contact your local health department.

6. Use your FSA or HSA 

You can use your flexible spending account (FSAs) and health savings account (HSAs) to save on dental expenses as well. Funds invested in these tax-advantaged accounts can be used to pay for a variety of eligible dental expenses, including:

• Fillings

• Extractions

• Gum cleanings

• Teeth cleanings

• X-rays

• Dental bridges

• Sealant application

• Dental veneers

• Dentures

• Wisdom tooth removal

• Root canals

It’s important to make sure that you’re using the money on HSA- or FSA-eligible items to avoid taxes or penalties. 

7. Go to appointments as recommended (practice prevention)

Maintaining your oral health is one of the easiest ways to control long-term dental costs. You can accomplish this by taking these preventive measures:

• Get a routine dental exam twice a year

• Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months.

• Get dental X-rays at least every 6 to 18 months 

At-home maintenance such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help support professional care. 

Dental health resources

Here are other resources to help you save on dental care:

• Fair Health Consumer allows you to shop around and compare prices through its extensive health database. You can estimate — and negotiate — for the best deal when going out of network.

• The VA Dental Insurance Program, through the Department of Veteran Affairs, offers dental benefits and reduced-rate insurance plans for eligible veterans.

• Medicare Advantage plans may provide supplemental dental benefits (which original Medicare does not cover).

• Medicaid is required to provide dental care to qualified individuals under 21. Depending on the state where you live, there may be other savings opportunities through Medicaid even if you’re over 21.  

• In-house dental membership savings plans allow private dentists to set up monthly or annual subscriptions that offer free or discounted dental services to help those who are uninsured.

• United Way in some areas partners with community clinics to offer affordable dental and health services.  

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Written by:

Arnesa A. Howell

Arnesa A. Howell is an award-winning freelance writer, editor and content creator based in Washington, D.C., writing for national magazines and online outlets about health, social justice, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and culture, and more. A graduate of Howard University, Arnesa has served as board member and scholarship committee chair for the Journalism & Women Symposium, an advocacy organization for women journalists.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

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