More than 100 million Americans, including many people living in Hendricks County, don’t have dental insurance. Reasons why people don’t have dental insurance varies.
- Their employer-sponsored health care plan doesn’t include dental insurance. Or, the plan only offers limited benefits.
- Individual health care insurance often costs too much, so people can’t afford to get dental insurance.
- Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, and Medicare Part A only covers dental services received in a hospital. While states are required to cover dental care for children with Medicaid, most states only provide emergency dental care for adults on Medicaid.
Dental care for most people without dental insurance can be costly. Checkups, cleanings and fillings may cost $100s. While extensive dental procedures like crowns or implants may set them back for $1,000s out of pocket. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many people, including Hendricks County residents, haven’t seen a dentist within the past year.
What are some solutions to help people without dental insurance control dental costs?
- Preventative dental care keeps your teeth healthy, so you’re less likely to require more extensive dental or medical care. Dental checkups cost less than more extensive treatments. By taking care of your teeth with regular oral exams and cleanings, you can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. For example, let’s say you have a small cavity. By having it filled, you may spend about $100-$150 for a silver amalgam filling. But if you decide not to have it filled, that cavity could turn into a $1,000 root canal. Plus, Dr. Jon Erickson at Danville Family Dentistry will routinely look for more serious problems, like oral cancer, during an exam. Early detection is critical to successful treatment.
- Ask for the price before you agree to the procedure. If you have a routine checkup and cleaning, and a problem is detected. Make sure you know how much the treatment will cost before agreeing to have it completed. Ask to discuss the treatment and cost while sitting up and without equipment in your mouth, so you can make an informed decision.
- Spread the cost over several treatments or sign up for a financing option. Ask Dr. Erickson if you can plan for your treatment in phases, so you can save money to pay for it and pay in increments. Many dentist offices, including Danville Family Dentistry, offer third-party financing options to pay for your dental care.
- Sign up for a dental membership plan. Danville Family Dentistry offers our Smile Savings Plan, which is a patient-courtesy program for patients without dental insurance. The plan provides a set amount of dental services for one year. For a low annual fee, you can receive two oral exams, two cleanings, and regularly scheduled X-rays. Additionally, you’ll receive 15% off any other dental care provided in our Hendricks County office. To learn more about our Smile Savings Plan, contact Danville Family Dentistry at 317-745-4400.
As you can see, solutions are available so you can pay for your dental care. Take time to investigate your options. And don’t avoid visiting Danville Family Dentistry because you’re afraid of the costs. Unfortunately, you’ll likely only make dental problems worse – and more expensive.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
(317) 745-4400
