How to pay for dental work not covered by insurance?

Asked by: Prof. Christine Daniel  |  Last update: April 25, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

Payment plans from dentists or third parties help manage large payments over time, and some dentists will negotiate their fees. FSAs and HSAs can provide tax-free savings for dental expenses, enhancing affordability. Other sources of funding for dental bills include credit cards, emergency funds, and personal loans.

How to get dental work done without insurance?

Public Dental Clinics

Many charge low, fixed prices or sliding fees based on how much you can afford. Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call. Some clinics charge sliding fees based on how much you can afford.

What if I have bad teeth and no money?

Call your local dental society and see if there are any dentists who help a person in your situation. If not, there may be a dental school in your area. They have students doing the work so it is usually much less expensive.

What happens if my dentist doesn't accept my insurance?

Call your insurance company and ask to speak with a supervisor. Ask their name and before the call is over ask them for a case or reference number. This puts them on notice and you have a record. Many dentists and doctors sign up and then drop or change the insurance plans they take.

How to go to the dentist when you can't afford it?

Call your local dental society, a non profit affiliated with the American Dental Society, should be on the website and ask about the local patient aid programs.

How To Get Affordable Dental Care (without Dental Insurance)

19 related questions found

What is the cheapest way to get your teeth fixed?

The cheapest way to fix teeth involves basic restorative procedures like fillings or extractions. Preventative care, such as regular cleanings and check-ups, can save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues.

Do dentists do payment plans?

Dentists may have various payment options, including zero-interest plans, extended payment terms, or third-party financing arrangements. Understanding the available options will help you choose the best plan for your needs.

Can I go to a dentist that doesnt take my insurance?

If you're unable to provide your insurance information or if the dental office doesn't accept your insurance, you have the option to pay for the treatment out of pocket. This can be an immediate solution to address your dental needs without delay.

Can I pay out of pocket if I have dental insurance?

Your dental insurance may come with one or more deductibles: A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket for dental care before your plan starts to share those costs.

What is the cheapest way to fix rotten teeth?

Fillings. The most frequent treatment for cavities, fillings replace the decayed portion of the tooth with either silver amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain material. Silver amalgam is cheaper and durable, but it's more visible. Composite resin or porcelain can blend in with the tooth color.

Will the ER pull a tooth?

The primary role of the ER is to manage acute medical conditions and stabilize patients. While ER doctors are skilled in handling a wide range of emergencies, they typically aren't equipped to perform specialized dental procedures like extractions. However, they can provide crucial initial care.

How do people afford a lot of dental work?

Personal Loan

Because of this flexibility, many people use personal loans to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Using a personal loan to finance dental work might be a better option than a credit card. The lower the interest rate, the lower your monthly payment.

What do you do if your tooth hurts but you have no insurance?

Free or Government Clinics

You could also look online to see if any government clinics are offering dental services for free near you. Many dentists and dental professionals volunteer throughout the year to provide their services at no cost to those in need.

Will a dentist see you if you don't have insurance?

The simple answer is yes. There are several dental practices that accept patients that don't have access to dental insurance coverage. Here are a few points to consider when looking for such options: Self-pay options: Most dentists have self-pay or cash pay options for patients without insurance.

Why is dental work so expensive even with insurance?

Overhead costs for dental practices, which can account for 60% to 80% of patient charges, include many expenses such as rent, payroll, insurance, taxes, supplies, and advanced technology. The repayment of student loans from dental schools also plays a role in the overall costs.

Can you pay out of pocket instead of insurance?

You may choose not to use insurance if the service you need isn't covered, or it's less expensive if you pay out of pocket. In most cases, providers and facilities must give you an estimate when you schedule care at least 3 business days in advance, or if you ask for one.

Is aflac dental worth it?

Dental insurance is worth it if you are looking for additional support for minor and major dental procedures. With an Aflac dental insurance plan, the costs of cleanings, crowns, bridges, and implants can be significantly minimized. For some of our basic and preventative services, there is little to no waiting period.

Do all dentists make you pay upfront?

Most dentists do require you to make a payment upfront on the day of your treatment, at least the estimated portion that you're responsible for. That is a very common financial policy for dental offices because payment is expected on the day of service. There is rarely an exception to that rule.

What do I do if I don't have my insurance card?

Check for Digital Options: Some insurance companies send your member ID and group number in emails or welcome letters. You can use these details with your healthcare provider until you receive your physical card. Also, many insurers let you create an account on their website to download or print a temporary card.

Why do so many dentists not accept insurance?

The rates of reimbursement by many insurance carriers are less than the cost of providing the treatment, forcing dentists who are in these plans to find ways to cut corners and cut costs that are not in the best interest of the patient.

How do you pay for dental work when you can't afford it?

7 ways to find free or low-cost dental care
  1. Ask your dentist. Some dental offices have dental membership savings plans. ...
  2. The Health Insurance Marketplace. ...
  3. Federally Qualified Health Centers. ...
  4. Your local dental school. ...
  5. Nonprofit organizations focused on dental health. ...
  6. Government programs for children. ...
  7. Give Kids A Smile®

Can I pay monthly for dental treatment?

Dental Payment Plan (Capitation Plan) – A payment plan offered by a dentist which allows you to pay a monthly amount towards any treatment received. Pros: With a dental payment plan, or capitation plan, you pay a regular monthly amount, which can be an effective way to spread the costs.

When you can't afford a dentist?

Dental Lifeline Network connects patients with volunteer dentists and provides disability income-based grants. America's Dentists Care Foundation partners with clinics to help provide care to low-income patients at reduced rates. State/local foundations may offer grants and vouchers for free dental care.