How to afford dental work

Lower the price

1. Ask for a cash discount. Many offices give 5-15% for paying upfront.
2. Ask about in-house membership plans: a yearly fee covers cleanings and discounts other work.
3. Use a dental school. Students treat patients under supervision for much lower fees; it takes longer.
4. Visit a community health center (FQHC) with sliding-scale fees based on income.
5. Get a second opinion for treatment plans over $1,000.
6. Ask about alternatives: a filling instead of a crown, a bridge instead of an implant, phasing treatment.

Use insurance well

7. Split big work across two calendar years to use two annual maximums.
8. Get a pre-treatment estimate before major work.
9. Stay in network to get negotiated fees.
10. Use HSA/FSA funds for eligible dental care with pre-tax dollars.

Pay over time: carefully

11. In-office payment plans are often interest-free.
12. Medical credit cards can have deferred interest: if you don’t pay in full by the promo end date, interest may be charged back to the start. Read terms closely.

Compare options with our dental cost estimator and insurance vs discount plan calculator.