Key takeaways:

Dental school clinics and community health centers can be good options for finding quality dental care at reduced prices.
Dental savings plans and membership programs can offer major discounts on procedures such as exams, cleanings, and fillings. They typically charge an annual fee.
Talk to your dentist to see if you can lower your costs by joining an in-office dental membership plan, setting up a payment plan, or negotiating the costs upfront.

If you are one of the nearly 68.5 million people in the U.S. without dental insurance, you are likely looking for affordable dental care. Many people are hesitant to go to the dentist, and dental costs are the top reason for not scheduling a visit. Fortunately, there are ways to save money and still get the dental care you need.

How much is dental care without insurance?

Dental care can be expensive if you don’t have insurance. What you pay depends on the type of procedure, where you live, and whether you’re paying cash or using a discount plan. Below are average price ranges for some common dental services:

Dental procedure	Cost without insurance
Dental cleaning	$75 to $200
Dental crown	$800 to $2,500
Dentures	$1,000 to $28,000
Tooth extraction	$50 to $500 for simple extraction; more for complex procedures
Cavity fillings	$100 to $1,050
Root canal	$700 to $2,100
Wisdom teeth removal	$200 to $1,100 per tooth

What makes dental care so expensive?

Some of the factors that can affect the total price of dental care include:

Complexity of procedure
Time procedure takes
Frequency of visits (delayed care can result in more costly procedures in the future)
Dental office’s overhead costs
Condition of your teeth and gums
Materials used in your treatment (for example, crowns can come in various substances)
Experience and qualifications of dentist, specialist, and staff
Technology used
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 dental care)

Where can you receive free or low-cost dental care?

Here are four places where you can receive free or low-cost dental care:

1. Dental schools

Dental schools often offer free or low-cost dental care to the public through their training clinics. You may be treated by a student, resident, or faculty dentist — all under the supervision of licensed professionals. These programs can offer up to 50% savings on a wide range of dental services. Check the American Student Dental Association’s website to find a dental school near you.

2. Community health centers

Community health centers (CHCs) are primarily funded by the federal government. This funding allows CHCs to offer affordable dental care, often on a sliding fee scale based on income. By visiting a CHC, you may lower your dental costs by up to 24%. To find a health center near you, visit the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration’s website.

3. The Dental Lifeline Network

The Dental Lifeline Network is a nonprofit organization that offers free dental care for people over 65, those with disabilities, or anyone who needs medically necessary treatment. Care is provided by a network of volunteer dentists. You may be placed on a waiting list, depending on availability.

4. Dental clinics through Medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program for people with low incomes, run by both the federal government and state governments. If you’re under 21 and qualify for Medicaid, dental care is covered in every state. Some states also offer dental benefits for adults 21 and older. You can use DentaQuest’s “Find a Dentist” tool to search for a dentist that might accept Medicaid.

What is a dental savings plan?

A dental savings plan, or dental discount plan, is a membership program that offers major discounts on dental care provided by participating dentists. Typically, members pay a low annual fee, but you may also be able to pay in monthly installments. By enrolling, you can receive discounts of up to 60% on preventive procedures, such as routine annual exams and cleanings; basic fillings; and major dental work, such as bridges and crowns.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

Should you purchase a dental savings plan? If you don’t have dental insurance or want to explore other ways to save on care, a dental savings plan might be a good option for you.
Reduce your dental costs: From comparing dental insurance plans to visiting a dental school, here are ways to make dental care more affordable.
Can you use your FSA to pay for dental expenses? You can use your tax-advantaged FSA dollars to pay for dental care if you meet these requirements.

Savings plans may be offered by:

Health insurance companies. Traditional insurers include Cigna and Aetna. You may sign up even if you are not enrolled in one of their health insurance plans.
Dental practices. If you are visiting a private practice dentist, it’s worth asking if they offer their own dental savings plans.
Dental insurers. Check out dental insurance companies such as Delta Dental that may offer dental savings plans.

Dental savings plans are different from dental insurance, which works more like traditional health insurance — with monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Can you negotiate the cost of dental care with a dentist?

You may be able to negotiate the cost of dental care with your dentist. Start by speaking directly to your dentist about ways you can save on procedures and routine care. Or, contact the office’s billing department, explain your financial situation, and discuss payment options. Many dentists offer payment plans or a percentage discount if you pay the total cost upfront. They may also adjust your treatment plan to make it more affordable.

Some dentists may also offer membership programs called in-office dental plans. Typically, for an annual fee, you can receive free or low-cost routine procedures, such as cleanings and exams. Sometimes, these programs offer discounts on more expensive procedures such as dental implants.

How can you take care of your teeth if you can’t afford to see a dentist regularly?

If you can’t afford to see a dentist regularly, here are some ways that you can take care of your teeth:

Brush your teeth twice a day.
Floss daily to remove food and plaque between your teeth.
Use mouthwash with fluoride to help kill bacteria and strengthen your teeth.
Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can lead to cavities.
Drink plenty of water, especially after eating, to rinse away food particles.
Avoid tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer.
Clean any type of denture you wear every day.

Other tips for saving money at the dentist

There are more ways to save money at the dentist, whether you have insurance or not. Here are five ways to make your next dental visit more affordable:

1. Check for GoodRx coupons

If your dentist prescribes medication such as the fluoride supplement Prevident 5000 Sensitive to help prevent cavities, for example, a GoodRx coupon could help you save money.

2. Use a tax-advantaged health account

You can use your flexible spending account or health savings account to pay for qualified dental expenses with tax-free dollars. For example, dentures, fillings, and root canals are all examples of HSA- and FSA-eligible items. If you have an FSA, spend the funds in your account before the deadline or you’ll lose them.

3. Keep your recommended dental appointment schedule

Focus on preventive care with regular dental visits. By getting routine dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays, you are better able to maintain your oral health and manage your costs.

4. Compare dental insurance plans

Depending on the type of dental insurance coverage you have, it may include preventive care (cleanings), basic care (fillings), restorative care (crowns), and other procedures. Before buying dental insurance, 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 the monthly premiums?
How large is the participating provider network?
What types of plans are available (dental HMO, PPO, or other)?
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?

5. Search for dental health resources

Here are some 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 U.S. Department of Veterans 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).
United Way in some areas partners with community clinics to offer affordable dental and health services.

The bottom line

Dental school clinics, community health centers, and membership-based dental savings plans can help you manage your dental costs when you don’t have insurance coverage.

Maintaining good oral health can lower your out-of-pocket expenses, as well. The amount you pay for services can vary based on where you live, type of dentist or specialist visited, and type of dental procedure. If you are living with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, consider seeing a dentist more often.

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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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