4 Tips to Save Money on Dental Economics

Talk to any personal finance expert and dental economics they’ll probably have some pretty sound advice when it comes to your money. From budgeting to saving for retirement, you can find countless articles online with advice on how to get your personal finances on track. But what if those financial experts were talking about your mouth? What if dental care cost a fortune? It’s a scary thought, isn’t it?

If you’re among the lucky few who haven’t experienced the sticker shock that comes with dental care, count yourself among the blessed. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, dental care is the fifth-leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States. The cost of dental care is so high in large part because of the hidden costs of dental economics. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your smile while still saving money on dental care. Here are five simple tips to save money on dental economics.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

The first and most obvious tip to save money on dental economics is to visit the dentist regularly. Yes, you read that correctly—visit the dentist. The basis of any dental care plan is regular cleanings. In fact, most health insurance plans will cover a percentage of the cost of cleanings, which means that even if you don’t have insurance, you should still make an effort to visit the dentist at least twice a year.

Regular visits to the dentist are crucial because they allow your dentist to examine your teeth and gums and detect any problems before they become too serious to treat. It’s also a good idea to bring along a few thousand dollars worth of old x-rays and pictures if your insurance covers it. That old dental history will come in handy if your dentist discovers a condition that your outdated x-rays didn’t show.

Ask Your Dentist to Clean Your Teeth First

While you should always schedule regular dental cleanings, you should also consider bringing your dentist a gift to show your appreciation. A gift card is a great way to say thank you to your dentist for all the hard work he or she does. And if you have a sensitive gag reflex, you can always opt for a gift basket filled with assorted goodies that can be used to help relieve your anxiety.

With that in mind, you might be asking yourself why your dentist would ever suggest cleaning your teeth. The answer is simple: cleaning teeth removes bacteria and other debris that can accumulate over time. Once your dentist discovers what type of patient you are, he or she can usually predict how often you’ll need a cleaning based on the condition of your teeth and gums.

Ask about the Cost Before You Book

You should never make a dental appointment without first doing your research. That means looking up the average cost of a dental procedure in your area and factoring in how much you can save by booking online or through a discount plan. If you’re worried about being able to make ends meet, ask yourself this question: Is it really worth it?

Dental Insurance is a Must

If you have dental insurance, you might be wondering how you can use it to save money on dental economics. The short answer is that it depends. Different dental plans have different coverage for different procedures, and some dental plans don’t cover root canals. If that’s the case, then you should absolutely use your dental insurance to pay for the dental work.

However, if your dental plan does cover root canals, then the best thing to do is let your dentist know that you have dental insurance. Many dentists will agree to accept a discounted rate for patients who are covered by insurance. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of dental insurance while still saving money on your teeth.

Visit the Dental School for Discounts

Most dental schools offer something called a “fees-only” program. Fees-only programs are designed to address the high cost of dental education by limiting the number of services that dentist students are allowed to provide. In many cases, that means that dental schools will not give out dental degrees to students who provide services in the private sector.

To take advantage of this type of discount, simply visit the nearest dental school and tell them that you are a dental student. Make sure to bring in all your insurance information so that the school can verify your eligibility for their discount. You can also check out the Dental School Directory to find a dental school near you.

Ask Your Employer for a Matching Grant

If you’re employed by the government or a public school, your health insurance plan may already include a subsidy to help cover the cost of your dental care. If that’s the case, then your employer is already paying for your dental care. The only thing left to do is to ask your employer to cover the remaining costs.

Before you do that, make sure to do your research and find out how much your employer is willing to contribute to your dental care. Once you know that, you can simply ask your boss for the remaining amount. Here are some examples of how you can approach the conversation:

Bottom Line

The cost of dental care is arguably the most significant cost that you’ll face as a growing adult. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your smile while still saving money on dental care.

The first and most obvious tip to save money on dental economics is to visit the dentist regularly. Regular visits to the dentist allow your dentist to examine your teeth and gums and detect any problems before they become too serious to treat. It’s also a good idea to bring along a few thousand dollars worth of old x-rays and pictures if your insurance covers it.