What are dental options for the uninsured?

I make pretty good money, but my company doesn't have dental insurance and I don't really want to drop $1000 for a crown. Are there any options for those who don't have dental insurance but don't qualify for medicaid or other low-income places?

What are dental options for the uninsured?
I really have a problem with the way our government is handling the medical problems of it's citizens. I don't have dental coverage either, and believe me after having to shell out seven hundred dollars for two teeth to be removed plus anesthesia I was mortified. You at least have a job. I don't because I'm on disability (no prescription cov either). What are people like us supposed to do? I guess we have two choices. Let your teeth decay, and fall out or go to a private dentist, and pay up the nose. In your case because you are employed, and make a good salary you should be able to pay on a payment plan with your dentist because they do have them. Why not try to find out if they have a dental college in your area? If they do I would take a chance depending on the severity of your problem. I think it would be less expensive than a private dentist.
Reply:Try the dental school at your local university. They often offer free or sliding-scale dental services.
Reply:im in the same boat. my job offers dental but its way to expensive. so i go do my dental work at a near by office and i pay them in payments. directly to the office. find a dental office and ask if you can pay in payments. i dont think thy would have a problem with that.
Reply:Dental schools! There are some separate ones, and some attached to colleges/universities. The dentists are students, but they are supervised, and it is much cheaper.
Reply:Dental schools may have time to schedule you for a procedure. There are probably waiting lists. In addition, you will probably sit there all day since it takes the students more time to do the work bc they're learning.





You could do a small loan, or use a credit card. Many offices today want that Visa or Mastercard number - then the office doesn't even have to "finance" it.





If you have an established Dentist who does know you - you could explain your circumstance. Often they will finance free, or at a nominal interest rate for 12 mos. or less. Depends on their policies.





My crowns cost me $1400. (2) My dentist let me pay for it over a few months.
Reply:I have a dental plan that allows me to save in most cases 50% to 80% on my dental care. The best savings comes with the preventative care such as cleanings, x-rays, fillings, however you can even save 50% on root canals and crowns. I would rather pay half than full price. You can look up more information at:





http://wehavebenefits.com
Reply:go to americandentalplan.com for super discounts ( after you pay the $129 )
Reply:Try ur local clinic or dental school. Also, sometimes dentists will give u a discount if u pay in full and don't have insurance.
Reply:The only options are what you already listed. Other than to have the tooth pulled. If you make good money quit being cheap and have your tooth fixed.
Reply:You can look for a dental school in your area as they do procedures as learning tools just like teaching hospitals or check with the local health department as they have clinics that offer free or reduced charge dental procedures also. Good luck.
Reply:Dental schools or places that let you pay on a sliding scale. It sucks when you work and can't afford to have dental work. Yet when your tax dollars go to those on welfare they get the best treatment and they don't have to work. Go to Oregon, California or Minnesota and get on their health plans.
Reply:Dental schools are great. You can also see if you have a community clinic.. they are normally new grad dentists doing community service for experience AND to lower their loans. You can also make payments. Most dentists will do a payment plan. Other than that.. you are S.O.L. I say look for community outreach programs. Good luck. I know the feeling and it SUCKS
Reply:I;m not sure if there are any where I live.
Reply:Take out a loan
Reply:there are many ways to so this you, its not what you know, its who you know!
Reply:Dental insurance even when you have it isnt great.





So save up that thousand bucks or forget it.
Reply:...try a dental school, it might be cheaper.
Reply:No matter what insurance you may have, dental work isn't gonna be covered entirely. If you need to have anything done at the dentist, they set up an account for you, so you can make monthly payments. My friend does that since her insurance isn't the best. If you have been going to the same dentist for months or years, they can make you an account, and you can pay on it however you'd like. Just ask them about it and they should be able to set you up. Good luck!
Reply:sweet heart i do have medi care but medicare doesent cover dental. mama ani both are retired and on s s i just paid out 3000.00 dollars on herfalse teeth no medicare didnt pay a penny on it now if u are an american indian u pay pay pay im sorry other than that dear im sorry good luck u need it maby prair will help god bless don
Reply:No options that I know of. I know I have $7000.00 worth of work that needs done in my mouth with crowns and partials. I was even eligible for welfare at one point but it didn't help with dental or medical for me, just my son.
Reply:Well, if you're already in need of some dental work, like a crown as you cited above, I'm not sure what to do other than find the thousand bucks. Sometimes people will work a payment plan with you, but I've never done that with dentists, only physicians and hospitals. If you're not in need of any immediate dental work, just FLOSS and Brush regularly, and watch what you eat. God Bless you.
Reply:1. Open a savings account for dental expenses.


2. Take allowable deductions for unreimbursed expenses.


3. Evaluate dental discount plans.


4. Pay expenses with pretax dollars.


5. Visit dental schools.


6. Get an interest-free credit card.


7. Check out plans offered by trade associations.


8. Practice prevent defense.
Reply:you could barrow money or get an extra job
Reply:Although they'd prefer you pay upfront, most dentists allow you to make monthly payments (no interest). Talk to the office assistant and find out if this is possible. You don't want to hold off getting a crown when you need one; the costs could become even greater if something more serious happens.
Reply:YES, u can find a dental school in your town. They are pretty cheap.
Reply:some of the dental offices offer a ins. for 25 dollars and it gets your work done for half off........i got veneers......they were 900.00 for aech one.....i got 4.....and then got half off.
Reply:If your in a large city, some health depts will do it on a sliding scale. I also used to work for Sears and their dental offices only charge $500 for crowns, last I checked.





You wouldn't want medicaid anyway, they don't pay for good crowns.
Reply:http://www.dentalplans.com/dentalplans/a...
Reply:Pliers or piece of string.
Reply:suck it up and pay the money. dental schools take way, way too much of your time and they are definitely not free. $1000 for a crown is actually not that much. i charge upwards of $2000 a tooth sometimes.
Reply:take care of your teeth brush and floss, do not drink soda or eat any sugary snacks.