Fortunately, there are several resources available for people looking for dental care. Your local health department may have information about programs that provide free or low-cost dental care. The United Way, a nonprofit organization, may be able to point you in the right direction. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administer Medicare and Medicaid, as well as CHIP. Contact them for detailed information, or refer to your state’s dental program.

Preventive dental care

Getting routine preventive Affordable Dentist Eugene care is essential to maintaining oral health and avoiding expensive procedures. Regular visits to the dentist can identify problems early, making treatment less expensive. Unfortunately, many people cannot afford routine dental care. In 2015, 29% of Americans had no dental insurance, compared to 62% of older adults. And while traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental care, many senior citizens lose their benefits when they retire.

Alternatives to dental insurance

For many people, there are several viable alternatives to dental insurance. These plans can save up to 15 percent of a patient’s bill, and they allow patients to pay for most routine dental care right at the dentist’s office. Unlike dental insurance, these plans don’t require a preapproval process or reimbursements. Moreover, these plans typically cover preventive services such as a bi-annual exam, which can help catch problems early.

Costs of dental care

A new study reveals how much Americans spend on dental care, and the extent to which the costs vary by income. Total dental spending was nearly $85 billion in 2016; 5.5 percent of that was covered by Medicaid and Medicare, and 76 percent came from private insurance. Dental health is important for overall health and is linked to a number of chronic conditions. Even without dental insurance, the costs are significant, despite the many benefits.

Options for paying for dental care without insurance

Depending on the type of treatment you need, a visit to the dentist can cost anywhere from $75 to $650. Some procedures, like surgical extractions, are covered by dental insurance, while others require payment out of pocket. If you are uninsured, a good place to start is by finding a dental practice that offers membership savings plans. This way, you can pay for care in advance and avoid the waiting period.

Resources for finding affordable dental care

You don’t have to pay the full price of a dental visit to get quality care. You can find free or low-cost dental care from nonprofit organizations, state and local health departments, or the United Way. These organizations may even offer phone numbers and information for these organizations. Depending on your zip code, you can even find a free dental clinic. The best place to start is the American Dental Association’s clickable map of dental clinics.