Need Help Paying For Dental Work? Here Are Some Options

Proper dental care is essential for good overall health, but that care can come at a hefty cost.

Dental veneers and implants can run as high as $4,500, crowns can reach $3,000, and fillings run between $150-$400. Even basic cleaning can go up to $200.

If you need help paying for dental work, you’re not alone. You also have a bunch of options.

Ways To Pay For Dental Work

Get Insurance

About 75 million Americans don’t have dental insurance. And though there are some good ways to get help paying for dental work without it, insurance is easy to find.

Employers typically offer different dental insurance options within a single plan to fit your budget. And the number of private dental insurance options increases every year. It’s easier than ever to find the right coverage for you and your health-specific needs.

Dental Discount Plans

However, if you’re looking for something other than a full insurance plan, a dental discount plan may be a good alternative. With this approach, you’ll receive dental service discounts for paying a yearly fee.

Another benefit: access. A dental discount plan lets you choose from a 140,000-dentist-strong nationwide network for care. And if you still need help paying for dental work, members can get up to 60% off restorative and preventative treatments.

Medicaid Or Medicare

Several government programs also provide help paying for dental work for those who qualify. The state-run Medicaid program offers benefits for families and individuals who are eligible, while Medicare is designed to help people who have certain medical conditions or are 65 and older with medical costs.

Another government program to look into is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP covers dental care and medical coverage for children who qualify and are 19 or younger.

Nonprofit Organizations

Many nonprofits are focused entirely on assisting those who need help paying for dental work. Sometimes they even provide the top dental care themselves.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry sponsors the Give Back a Smile Program, which features dentists donating services to victims of domestic abuse.

The United Way sponsors a wide network of dental clinics offering low-cost or free dental care. Dentists also provide free treatments for those who cannot afford them through the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program.

The nonprofit Dental Lifeline Network offers treatment plans across the United States to those who are considered medically fragile, 65 or older, or have a permanent disability. Adult patients who have trouble affording oral care may qualify for help through the Charitable Smiles nonprofit.

Talk With Your Dentist

If you need help paying for dental work and have been a long-time patient in good standing, your dentist will likely work with you on finding a financial solution. This could come in the form of discounts for certain services or payment plans. All you need to do is ask.

dentist and patient

If that doesn’t work, it’s always wise to get a second opinion from a different dentist. Sometimes, different offices have different financial policies when it comes to charges for certain treatments or even how willing they are to work out a financial plan.

Often, certain dentists working in different parts of town will charge less. Just make sure you’re still getting the level of care you need.

Find A Dental School

If there’s a college nearby with a dental program, you may be in luck. Often such schools or certain dental health clinics offer government dental assistance, which means they can provide free or discounted dental services.

All students are supervised by professional, licensed dentists at such accredited dental schools.

Get An Auto Title Loan

Another option for help paying for dental work is an auto title loan, which is designed specifically for financial emergencies, including high medical care bills, needed car or home repairs, or necessary last-minute travel.

An auto title loan uses your vehicle's title as collateral in exchange for a short-term loan that’s paid off over time. It can take as little as 30 minutes to qualify for an auto title loan of up to $15,000 at Missouri Title Loans, Inc.

Here’s how it all works. On our homepage, fill out the short auto title loan inquiry form. A loan representative from the Missouri Title Loans, Inc. location closest to you will give you a quick call to guide you through the rest of the process.

We can come to you, or you can come to the store location of your choice. Just bring the required items, and after a quick vehicle inspection we’ll figure out how much of a loan you qualify for. Once you agree to the terms, you get the cash you need the same day or the very next business day.

Get Started Today

Getting dental care doesn’t mean having to cope with a huge financial setback. If you need help paying for dental work, an auto title loan may be the option for you. Just start online, give us a call, or visit us today to learn more.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Mason Roberts

Mason Roberts is a seasoned economics writer and blogger with a knack for breaking down and simply communicating the ever-changing world of finance. He is philosophically committed to the premise that financial knowledge equals financial freedom.