Good dental care can really burn a hole in your pocket if you don’t have the right insurance or none at all, for that matter. Given the tools and equipment used by dentists today to administer treatment, not to mention the cost of becoming one, even a general checkup can mean dishing out a hefty amount of money.
According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the average debt incurred per graduating senior from dental school is $247,227. This high level of debt is also a major contributing factor towards the high fees dentists charge even for the most basic dental procedures.
In a bid to save cash on your next dental bill, we have compiled a list of factors to consider if you do not have insurance to cover those dental expenses:
1. Practice Good Dental Hygiene
This is the number one secret for keeping your dental visits and expenses minimal. The only exception is medical emergencies or an accident, if you brush twice a day, floss regularly, and use antibacterial mouthwash to maintain optimum oral care, you do not need to visit the dentist at all, except for the annual check-up.
Many dentists will share similar tips with you to keep your teeth healthy and clean all the time. Not only will that have many benefits in the later stages of your life, but it also keeps your internal organs healthy. Not observing good oral cleanliness can lead to internal organ deterioration.
2. Check if Your Dentist Offers Discounts
Some dentists are willing to offer additional services to those with a restrained cash flow. For example, you can ask for discounts if you’re paying your dentist the full amount upfront. You could also ask if your dentist will accept payments in small increments over time or in monthly installments.
When you’re getting multiple family members treated at the same dentist, you can ask for a discount as many dentists do accommodate people under similar circumstances.
3. Shortlist a Few Dentists and Compare Prices
Dentists often don’t keep a list of what they charge for any given procedure, nor do they usually make this information available publicly. So you should ensure beforehand what the costs are and exactly how much you will be charged if you complete certain procedures. After comparing different dentists, pick the most suitable and affordable for you. You can call or write to Kirkland Family Dentistry anytime for information on our processes.
Ensuring transparency in the prices from your dentist and planning beforehand on what procedures you are going to partake in are good ways of saving up a few dollars.
The best way to reduce the number of dental visits is to maintain proper oral hygiene throughout your life. Otherwise, you might mark visitation days on your calendar more often than necessary.
