Need Financial Help with Dental Health Costs? Here’s What You Can Do

December 6, 2024 | 10 min read Financial Assistance

No one should ever have to hide their smile. Yet this is an unfortunate reality for millions of people who need expensive or unexpected dental treatment. In fact, a whopping 13% of working-age adults skip the dentist due to cost. Dental insurance is critical for accessing necessary dental care and as a financial safety net. Although it does not cover everything, it usually covers preventive care like cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Basic treatments are partially covered, while significant treatments may have lower coverage percentages.

If you don’t know how to ask for help with dental costs, don’t lose hope. Below, we uncover three surprising resources to help you regain your confident smile without the financial burden.

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A breakdown of common dental costs

Depending on the type of dental work you need, the cost of visiting a dentist can vary greatly. Ensure you check with your providers for accurate costs. Let’s break down typical out-of-pocket dental costs, from a routine visit all the way to a dental emergency like an expensive surgery:

Routine teeth cleaning costs between $75 to $200 without insurance. With x-rays, this cost can increase to over $300.
Chronic periodontitis—gum disease that’s more advanced than gingivitis—affects roughly half of all U.S. adults over 30. Treatment requires scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure that ranges from $500 to $4,000, depending on the extent of the damage.
Dental fillings are required when a cavity develops, something that happens to an estimated 92% of adults. Dental fillings cost up to $50 with insurance, depending on the location of the tooth and type of material used. Between $150 to $1,000 without insurance.
A root canal is a common procedure necessary to repair a tooth infected at the root. The average cost of this procedure ranges from $200-$500 with insurance, and up over $1,000 without insurance.
Tooth extraction costs between $75 to $300 with insurance and $600 without insurance, depending on whether the tooth is erupted or impacted and if surgical anesthesia is used. This procedure is necessary for certain damaged or infected teeth.
The full cost of a dental implant—a surgical procedure that requires an artificial root to anchor a replacement tooth—ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 with insurance, up to $6,700 without insurance.
Dentures can cost up to $5,000, depending on the quality of the dentures. Dental insurance only covers about half of the procedure.
The average cost of braces is $5,500, though it can range from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on whether you choose metal, ceramic, or clear plastic braces. Braces are often not fully covered by insurance.

9 ways to get help with dental bills

Everyone should have access to the dental treatment and healthcare they need, and figuring out how to pay for dental work doesn’t need to be stressful. From nonprofits that help with dental costs for seniors to low-cost dental clinics and the Department of Health and Human Services, these nine options can help you for loved ones find financial assistance for dental work and oral health.

1. Dental schools

Government dental assistance options are available to dental schools and public health clinics, allowing them to offer discounted services to those in need, making them more affordable dental care. Check the list of accredited dental schools the American Dental Education Association compiled to find one in your area.

Dental work is performed by a dental student—under the supervision of a licensed dentist—for a fraction of the cost. Services include cleaning services, polishing, checkups, and more. To book an appointment, inquire about availability and the services you need. Remember that appointments may take longer due to students working under supervision and need to do a thorough examination.

2. Dental grants

Dental grants may partially or fully cover the cost of expensive medical treatments. While these grants can be life-changing, many come with a list of qualifications that must be met. Waiting periods are also common, and can sometimes last many months. Make sure to read the application requirements thoroughly to see if you are eligible.

For women survivors of domestic abuse, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry aims to give back through dental work. Their Give Back a Smile program is available in the US and Canada, and completely covers the cost of repairing dental injuries for those that qualify.
For dental implant financial assistance, consider applying for a grant through the Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program. In order to qualify, a dental exam must show that your mouth can support the implants requested and a full recommendation from the doctor.

3. Online fundraising

Thousands of people have turned to crowdfunding as a great way to find financial relief for unexpected dental costs. There is no shame in asking those who care about you for help—and in fact, your story can be so powerful that even strangers may be moved to donate. You can find tips here on how to write a compelling story for your fundraiser.

Crowdfunding also means you receive support from your community, which can be priceless in a time of need. Do research on the best crowdfunding sites to determine one that works for your needs.

Consider using online fundraising to help cover the cost of expensive dental work, and use the following medical fundraising tips to make sure your fundraiser is a success:

Host a fundraising event, like a barbeque or car wash, as a way to bring family and friends together around your cause. Events like these provide a great opportunity to ask for donations in a relaxed environment.
Build a community around your fundraiser, and consider sharing on social media to increase donations.
Regularly update your fundraiser, and follow up with donors to let them know how their donation made an impact.

4. Public dental clinics

The Health Resources and Services Administration provides access to a network of dental clinics for those who qualify right on their website. Income restrictions apply, and not all dental services may be offered in your location—reach out to the clinic for more details on eligibility. Another resource for finding a low-cost clinic near you is through the NeedyMeds dental clinic database, containing information for over 4,000 clinics—some of which are funded by state or federal grants.

5. Charities offering financial assistance

There are also many charities that offer financial assistance, including help with braces costs, for dental work that insurance may not always cover. Below are a few organizations that may be able to help.

Smiles Change Lives

Established in 1997, this organization focuses on offering financial assistance for braces to youth in need. There are certain eligibility requirements that must be met in addition to possible lengthy wait times, and the person receiving braces must be under 21 years old. While the charity does not completely cover the cost of braces, the expense is significantly reduced.

Dental Lifeline Network

If you need financial assistance for dentures, the Dental Lifeline Network can help. The nonprofit offers help with denture costs to the over 65 years of age, permanently disabled, and those with a medical need—must meet at least one of these. Clinics are available in every state, and services are comprehensive.

United Way

United Way has hundreds of locations in the US and around the world, many of which offer free dental clinics. Contact your local office and see what programs are available in your area. Some of these dental clinics are also mobile, which makes visiting a dentist that much easier.

6. Dental financing

If you need to finance the cost of dental work, there are a few options available. Keep in mind that these options require an application with some restrictions, and that interest will add up if the balance is not paid in full by the due date. Choose financing for dental work carefully. Check your dentist’s payment plans, compare rates, terms, and repayment flexibility. Consider your budget, urgency of dental work, and financial situation.

Care Credit offers dental financing for just about any type of dental work you or your family may need. Interest-free financing is offered for a minimum of six months for new accounts, though after the promotional period, interest rates can be high—up to 27%.
A 0% APR credit card charges no interest for new purchases or balance transfers for an introductory period, typically 6 to 20 months. During the introductory period, you can pay for dental procedures without interest.
A less expensive alternative to dental insurance, dental discount cards work by collecting an annual membership fee in exchange for reduced rates at participating dentists.
Always negotiate your dental bill before starting treatment. Some dentists may offer discounts to uninsured patients.

7. Medical tourism

More and more Americans are finding that it’s actually far less expensive to travel abroad for a medical procedure than to get the same procedure in the US. This practice, known as medical tourism, can be beneficial if you’re willing to pay the upfront costs of travel to save more on the dental procedure in the long run. A few of the top medical tourism countries are Canada, the UK, Singapore, Israel, Germany, India, Colombia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Medical tourism for dental work can save money but has risks.

Research the reputation, qualifications, and standards of care of dental facilities abroad.
Evaluate the credentials of dental professionals, clinic accreditation, and patient reviews.
Be aware of language barriers, differences in regulations, and challenges in follow-up care.
Ensure adherence to international health and safety standards.

Research diligently and understand the risks before choosing this option for dental care abroad.

8. Donated Dental Services (DDS)

The Donated Dental Services (DDS) program offers free dental treatment to vulnerable individuals who cannot afford necessary treatment or receive public aid. If you qualify for the program, you may not have to pay for any dental work. To be eligible for DDS, you must meet one of the following criteria: 65 years of age, permanently disabled, or needing medically necessary dental care. In some cases, DDS services are also available to veterans.

9. Government assistance for dental costs

Medicare is a health insurance program that provides coverage for individuals 65 years old and above or those with specific disabilities. However, Medicare dental coverage is limited and does not cover most standard dental care or dentures. Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer additional benefits not covered by Medicare, such as vision, hearing, or dental services.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health program that offers dental benefits to eligible low-income individuals, including adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. While eligibility criteria vary by state, most states provide limited emergency dental services for individuals 21 or older.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides medical coverage and dental services to qualified children up to age 19. CHIP-covered dental services vary from state to state.
InsureKidsNow.gov helps families find affordable health insurance for children and teens. Its Medicaid/CHIP Dentist Locator allows you to locate a dentist who accepts Medicaid and CHIP quickly.

Veteran Affairs: Veterans may qualify for VA dental care benefits and may be able to get some or all of their dental care through the VA.

Fundraising can help with dental costs

Plenty of people have turned to fundraising as a way to help with dental costs, as there are no application deadlines or qualifications and no waiting periods to receive help. Taking care of your health is crucial, but it can be challenging if you are facing financial difficulties. By sharing your story honestly, you can raise awareness and encourage people to donate to your fundraiser. This way, you can get the support you need to deal with your medical expenses and focus on your recovery with peace of mind.

Sign up and create your dental fundraiser today, so you can stop worrying about your smile and enjoy life to the fullest.

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