How to Save Big on Dental Care: Insurance, Discounts and Expert Tips
Need dental work? These expert-backed tips will help you save hundreds on cleanings and procedures
Healthy teeth and gums are priceless, but keeping them in great shape doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a major procedure like a crown or implant, there are plenty of ways to cut dental costs while still getting top-notch care. Here, expert-backed strategies to help you save big on everything from exams to extractions.
Smart Ways to Save on Dental Care
1. Get big savings with a dental discount plan
If you don’t have dental insurance or only need routine exams and cleanings, a dental discount plan is a budget-friendly alternative.
If you typically only need regular exams and cleanings, a dental plan can be a true money saver. “Dental plans—also known as dental discount plans or dental savings plans—are membership programs that provide fixed discounts on a wide range of services, from routine cleanings to major procedures like extractions,” says registered dental hygienist and dental health educator Whitney DiFoggio (TeethTalkGirl.com).
Membership is $100 to $150 per year. In return, you’ll get discounts of 10% to 60% at participating providers. Even better: “Unlike traditional insurance, dental plans don’t have annual maximums, deductibles or waiting periods, so you can start saving immediately,” adds DiFoggio. Visit DentalPlans.com to compare options.
2. Consider dental insurance for major procedures
For pricey dental work, such as fillings, crowns, implants or bridges, “Dental insurance is your best bet, as it will save you hundreds—maybe even thousands—of dollars,” says Nathan Coughlin, DDS, orthodontist and co-founder of Thrive Dental & Orthodontics (ThriveDentist.com). That’s because insurance typically covers 80 percent to 100 percent of preventive services, like cleanings, and up to 90 percent of other procedures.
Keep in mind, however, that after paying the amount insurance doesn’t cover, you’ll still be responsible for a few out-of-pocket costs. These include premiums, which run about $20 to $50 per month, depending on your type of coverage and location; an annual deductible of about $50 that you’ll need to pay before coverage begins; and co-payments of about $20 to $30 per dental visit.
Also important: Most insurance plans have a waiting period—usually three to six months for simple treatments like fillings and 12 months for major procedures like crowns and root canals. So if your dentist says you’ll need these fixes in the future, it’s better to sign up for dental insurance sooner rather than later. Just head to DentalInsurance.com to review each plan to ensure it covers services you’ll most likely need and check the annual maximum benefit, which ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
“We know dental work can be costly, and when it comes to deciding between a root canal or paying for your child’s school necessities, you will likely choose the latter,” the folks at Thrive Dental & Orthodontics say. “At our practice, we don’t want you to have to make that decision, which is why we are proud to be in-network with a host of dental insurance companies and will always take the time to ensure your out of pocket expenses are minimal.”
Pro tip: Most insurance plans have a waiting period (3-6 months for fillings, 12 months for major work), so it’s best to sign up before you need treatment.
3. Visit a dental school for 50% off services
You can save 50% to 70% by visiting schools that train future hygienists and dentists, says DiFoggio. “At dental hygiene schools, students perform preventive services, like cleaning, while dental schools offer a broader range of services, like fillings and root canals.” Find a school near you at CODA.ADA.org/find-a-program/search-dental-programs.
4. Compare your dental care options
“The biggest factor influencing the price of dental care is usually the location of the practice,” says DiFoggio. That’s why it’s worth calling practices in your area to compare fees. Find nearby dentists at FindADentist.ADA.org.
5. Plan dental care ahead of time
“By far, the biggest cost-saving tool is simply going to your six-month checkups,” says Dr. Coughlin. These visits help catch problems while they’re small, decreasing the likelihood that you’ll need pricey procedures.
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