Dental treatment can become expensive quickly, especially when you need an unexpected procedure that wasn't included in your monthly budget.
If you're wondering how to pay for dental work, you may have more options than simply putting off treatment or paying the entire bill at once. Depending on your situation, you could explore dental insurance, payment arrangements, Missouri assistance programs, reduced-cost dental clinics, nonprofit resources, savings, or financing.
If those options aren't enough and you own your vehicle outright, an auto title loan from Missouri Title Loans, Inc. may also be one borrowing option to consider for an urgent expense.
Before taking on debt, however, it makes sense to compare the lower-cost resources available to you first.
Key Takeaways
- Ask your dentist for a written treatment estimate before deciding how to pay.
- Dental insurance can lower some costs, but benefits, deductibles, waiting periods, and covered services vary by plan. (healthcare.gov)
- Some dentists offer payment arrangements or may be able to divide treatment into stages.
- MO HealthNet offers dental benefits, but coverage depends on your eligibility category and age. (mydss.mo.gov)
- Original Medicare generally doesn't cover routine dental services such as cleanings, fillings, dentures, and implants, although certain medically necessary dental services may be covered in specific situations. (medicare.gov)
- Missouri residents may be able to find reduced-cost care through dental schools or nonprofit programs.
- Borrowing should generally be considered after you understand the treatment cost and lower-cost alternatives.
- Missouri Title Loans, Inc. offers qualified borrowers title loans of up to $15,000*, subject to vehicle evaluation and approval.
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.
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.
Can an Auto Title Loan Help Pay for Dental Work?
If you own a qualifying vehicle outright, an auto title loan may be one borrowing option for an unexpected dental expense.
A title loan uses your lien-free vehicle title as collateral.
Missouri Title Loans, Inc. currently offers qualified borrowers title loans of up to $15,000*. The amount you may qualify for is based on vehicle evaluation and approval of your completed application.
An auto title loan shouldn't automatically be your first choice for dental expenses.
Consider insurance, payment arrangements, dental schools, assistance programs, and your own available savings first. If those options don't solve the problem and the dental expense is urgent, you can then compare the title loan's complete cost with other financing options.
What Do You Need for a Missouri Auto Title Loan?
Missouri Title Loans, Inc. currently requires three primary items:
- A driver's license or state-issued photo ID
- A lien-free vehicle title
- Your vehicle for inspection
Your vehicle generally needs to be fully paid off so you have the lien-free title required to use it as collateral.
The vehicle is inspected because its value helps determine the amount you may qualify to borrow.
The advertised up to $15,000* amount isn't guaranteed for every borrower or vehicle.
Find the Right Way to Pay for Your Dental Care
If you need help paying for dental work, don't assume borrowing is your only option.
Start by finding out exactly what treatment will cost. Then check your insurance benefits, ask about payment arrangements, review Missouri assistance programs, investigate reduced-cost dental schools or nonprofits, and determine whether you have savings available.
If those resources aren't enough and you still need help with an urgent expense, financing may be worth comparing.
For Missouri residents who own an eligible vehicle outright, an auto title loan from Missouri Title Loans, Inc. may provide one option. Qualified borrowers may receive up to $15,000*, subject to vehicle evaluation and approval.
If you choose to apply, review the complete costs, repayment schedule, and collateral terms before accepting the loan.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.
