Dental Fear: No Insurance, No Visit

Millions of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to a lack of insurance coverage and the high out-of-pocket costs of dental care. An estimated 74 million Americans lack dental insurance, and over half of Americans avoid or delay dental care due to high costs. The cost of dental treatment is the primary reason Americans do not receive regular dental care, with dentists charging $200 or more for routine cleanings and fillings costing several hundred dollars. This is further exacerbated by the fact that dental insurance often has low annual maximums, leaving many with high out-of-pocket costs. As a result, many Americans suffer from untreated tooth decay and other dental issues, which can lead to serious health problems.

The cost of dental work without insurance

The cost of fillings without insurance ranges from $200 to $400. Root canals can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,100, depending on the tooth that needs work. Without insurance, the average cost of a crown is around $1,093, and braces can range from $3,000 to $10,000.

Options for Those Without Insurance

There are several options for those who need dental work but don't have insurance:

• Dental schools: Students work under the supervision of licensed dentists, and the experienced dentist checks every phase of the student's work. This option is more time-consuming and may require more frequent visits.
• Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP: Medicare does not cover most routine dental care but does cover some emergency dental treatment in hospitals. Medicaid provides dental benefits for enrolled children and, in some states, adults.
• Local health departments: Some provide free or low-cost dental services.
• Payment options: CareCredit is a popular payment method accepted by many dentists, offering no-interest financing options for 6-24 months on charges over $200.
• Dental clinics: These offer treatments and procedures at lower costs.
• Free dental clinics: These may be available in your area, charging a small fee based on what you can pay. They typically have long waitlists.

Why People Avoid the Dentist

The number one reason people avoid the dentist is the cost. An estimated 74 million Americans have no dental insurance and have to pay out of pocket. More than half of Americans avoid or delay healthcare, including dental care, because of high costs. As a result, 27% of American adults have untreated tooth decay, and 36% haven't visited a dentist in the last year.

The impact of avoiding the dentist

Avoiding the dentist can have several impacts on a person's health and well-being. Here are some of the potential consequences of neglecting dental care:

• Tooth Decay: Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral hygiene, but they may not be enough to remove stubborn plaque and bacteria. Avoiding regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings can lead to plaque buildup, which can break down tooth enamel and cause decay. Advanced tooth decay may require extensive and costly restorations, such as root canals or crowns.
• Gum Disease: Untreated tooth decay can progress to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Plaque bacteria can attack the gums, causing swelling, bleeding, and inflammation. If left untreated, this condition, known as gingivitis, can lead to more severe periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss and other complications.
• Health Problems: Dental professionals often detect signs of serious medical issues during check-ups. By avoiding the dentist, individuals may miss opportunities to identify health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, oral cancers, kidney failure, and heart disease in their early stages. This can lead to more advanced stages of these diseases by the time they are diagnosed, potentially resulting in higher medical costs and more challenging treatments.
• Stains and Discoloration: Professional teeth cleanings help remove stains caused by drinking coffee, tea, or wine, or by smoking cigarettes. Avoiding the dentist can result in stubborn stains and an unattractive smile. While cosmetic dentistry procedures can address severe discolouration, they tend to be expensive.
• Financial Burden: Avoiding the dentist due to financial concerns may seem like a short-term cost-saving measure. However, delaying dental care can lead to more significant and costly issues in the long run. Minor dental problems, if left untreated, can develop into complex and expensive treatments.
• Psychological Impact: Dental issues can affect an individual's psychological well-being and quality of life. People with dental problems may experience anxiety, embarrassment, and a negative self-image. In some cases, dental phobia or anxiety may develop, further perpetuating a cycle of avoidance.

Dental insurance alternatives

Millions of Americans avoid the dentist due to a lack of insurance coverage and the high out-of-pocket costs of dental care. In this article, we will outline some alternatives to traditional dental insurance to help you access affordable dental care.

Dental Savings Plans

Dental Savings Plans are an alternative to traditional insurance, offering several benefits to patients. These plans function similarly to a club membership, providing discounts on dental work. Dental Savings Plans have fewer restrictions than insurance, with no annual maximum spending limits, no waiting periods, and no pre-qualification requirements.

Dental Savings Plans give members access to a network of dentists who provide reduced rates with no pre-set spending restrictions. You can save 15-50% on dental treatments, including basic check-ups, cleanings, root canals, crowns, braces, and dentures.

PayDent

PayDent is another innovative alternative to traditional dental insurance, co-founded by a dentist and an entrepreneur. This platform operates through an easy-to-use app, allowing patients to save money for dental care by depositing funds into their PayDent accounts. There are no annual fees or upfront costs, and patients can choose the amount they deposit.

PayDent covers all types of dental treatments, including routine, elective, specialty, and cosmetic dentistry, without requiring pre-approvals. It eliminates insurance hassles for dentists and gives patients and dentists the freedom to determine the best treatment without third-party interference.

Dental Schools

If you're open to the idea of dental students providing your care, visiting a dental school can be a great option for affordable treatment. Licensed professors oversee all dental work, and these programs often offer cutting-edge technology and clinical trials. The cost of treatment at a dental school is significantly lower than seeing a licensed dentist.

However, it's important to note that procedures may take longer, and you may need multiple visits. Additionally, your student dentist may change over time, requiring you to explain your dental history during each visit.

Sliding Scale Dental Clinics

Sliding Scale Dental Clinics are often supported by charities, faith-based organizations, United Way, and health centers. These clinics provide free or reduced-cost dental care based on your income. They typically feature licensed dentists donating their time, ensuring quicker procedures than dental schools.

Government-Sponsored Insurance Plans

If you don't have dental insurance through your employer, you can explore purchasing your own insurance plan through the government's online marketplace. However, individual plans often come with restrictions, including annual contracts, low annual maximums, and treatment restrictions.

Alternatively, if you have Medicaid or your children qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program, you may have access to more dental benefits and insurance coverage than you realize. Each state has its own dental care plan under Medicaid, so be sure to check your potential coverage.

CareCredit Installment Payments

If you're uncomfortable with the idea of clinics or dental schools, CareCredit offers the option to pay for your dental work in installments. Over 200,000 dentists partner with CareCredit, and they may even provide interest-free incentives in certain circumstances.

Price Comparison Tools

Tools like Smylen and Healthcare.gov can help you compare prices and book dental work online. Smylen, for example, provides access to top dentists and discounts of up to 80% on dental procedures. Healthcare.gov, also known as the Health Insurance Marketplace, allows you to shop and compare health, vision, and dental plans available through the Affordable Care Act.

Create a Dental Fund

Consider setting aside a specific amount each month, such as $100-$150, specifically for dental care. This way, you'll have funds available for dental expenses, and if you don't end up needing costly procedures, you can treat yourself to something else with the saved money.

There are several alternatives to traditional dental insurance that can help you access affordable dental care. These options include Dental Savings Plans, PayDent, dental schools, sliding scale dental clinics, government-sponsored insurance plans, CareCredit installment payments, price comparison tools, and creating a dedicated dental fund.

Remember, it's important to prioritize your oral health to prevent minor problems from becoming serious concerns. By choosing one of these alternatives, you can take control of your dental care and maintain a healthy smile without breaking the bank.

Emergency dental work without insurance

It can be a scary situation to require emergency dental work without insurance. The costs can be high, and it can be difficult to know where to turn. However, there are options available to those without insurance.

Firstly, it's important to establish whether your situation is a dental emergency. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you experiencing severe pain?
• Do you have an oral infection?
• Is your mouth bleeding?
• Have you lost a tooth or several teeth?
• Do you have a swollen jaw?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may be dealing with a dental emergency and should seek immediate medical attention.

Where can I go for emergency dental work without insurance?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency and do not have insurance, there are several options available to you:

• Dental Savings Plans: These plans are an affordable alternative to dental insurance and offer immediate activation, so you can use them right away to save on emergency dental care. They typically have no waiting periods, annual spending limits, health screenings, or background checks.
• Public dental clinics: These clinics are taxpayer-funded and run by local or state health departments. They offer low, fixed prices on basic dental care procedures such as cleanings, x-rays, root canals, and fillings. Some public clinics may also work with you to create a payment plan based on what you can afford.
• Dental schools: Dental schools often offer lower prices for dental care as the students need hands-on experience to graduate. Licensed supervisors are always present to oversee the work, and procedures are done exactly by the book.
• Non-profit organizations: Many non-profit organizations run clinics that serve those with low incomes, no insurance, or anyone who can't afford dental care. These clinics are staffed by volunteer dentists who provide full-service dental care, either for no fee or based on what you can afford.
• Charities: State and national charities often donate labour and materials to provide free dental care to those who are elderly, have disabilities, or permanent medical conditions. Some programs also match low-income children with volunteer orthodontists to receive braces or other dental care.
• Emergency rooms: If you are experiencing severe pain or uncontrollable bleeding, going to an emergency room may be necessary. However, it is important to note that most ERs do not have dental expertise and the average cost of getting dental care in the ER is $749, or over $1000 in a mid-sized or big city.

In addition to the options listed above, there are several ways to save money on emergency dental work:

• Compare prices: Use resources like the Emergency Dentists USA web portal to compare prices and find a dentist that fits your budget.
• Payment plans: Many dentists offer payment plans, allowing you to pay an annual fee over time with no financing or interest.
• Dental insurance: If you are able to purchase dental insurance, this can help reduce the cost of your emergency dental care. However, be aware that many plans have a waiting period of 6-12 months or even up to two years before you are covered for certain procedures. Always check the insurance plan details carefully.
• Negotiate bills: While most dentists won't negotiate, it is technically possible for individuals to negotiate their bills, although this is more commonly done for hospital visits.

It can be tempting to put off emergency dental work due to the cost, but this can end up costing you more in the long run. Treating minor pain now can help you avoid major bills later. Leaving dental issues untreated can also lead to more serious health problems such as diabetes, heart issues, respiratory infections, and more.

Government dental coverage

Millions of Americans avoid the dentist due to the high costs associated with dental care and a lack of dental insurance coverage. In fact, a recent statistic published by the Center for Disease Control showed that 36% of Americans—over a third—have not visited the dentist in the last year.

In the United States, dental coverage is available through the government's Health Insurance Marketplace. In the Marketplace, dental coverage is offered in two ways: as part of a Marketplace health plan or through a separate dental plan.

Health Plans with Dental Coverage

Some Marketplace health plans include dental coverage. The premium you pay covers both health and dental coverage. When comparing health plans in the Marketplace, you can see which plans include dental coverage.

Separate Dental Plans

In some cases, separate dental plans are offered in the Marketplace. If you choose to purchase a separate dental plan, you will pay a separate premium in addition to the premium you pay for your Marketplace health plan.

It is important to note that you cannot buy a Marketplace dental plan unless you are also buying a health plan at the same time.

Adult and Child Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is treated differently for adults and children. Dental coverage is considered an essential health benefit for children, meaning that if you are obtaining health coverage for someone 18 or younger, dental coverage must be available for your child either as part of a health plan or as a separate dental plan. However, dental coverage is not an essential health benefit for adults, and health plans are not required to offer adult dental coverage.

High and Low Coverage Levels

There are two categories of Marketplace dental plans: high and low coverage levels. The high coverage level has higher monthly payments but lower copayments and deductibles. On the other hand, the low coverage level has lower premiums but higher copayments and deductibles, resulting in lower monthly payments but higher costs when you get dental services.

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program

If you or your children have Medicaid or qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program, you may be eligible for more dental benefits and insurance coverage than you think. Each state has its own dental care plan under Medicaid, so be sure to check your potential dental coverage.

Medicare

For seniors with dental work needs, potential dental insurance plans are available under Medicare Plan C. However, dental coverage under Medicare is limited, and many seniors with dental issues are unable to get the treatment they need.

Disparities in Oral Health

The disparities in oral health in the United States fall along racial and economic lines, with Black, Hispanic, and lower-income Americans experiencing higher rates of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. These disparities are exacerbated by the high costs of dental care, leading to millions of Americans avoiding or delaying dental care.

Impact of Dental Issues

Dental problems can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting everything from eating to remaining independent. Furthermore, dental issues have been linked to serious health problems such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

The high cost of dental care and lack of insurance coverage are significant barriers for many Americans seeking dental treatment. While government dental coverage is available through the Health Insurance Marketplace, it is not always affordable or comprehensive enough to meet the needs of individuals and families. As a result, many people are forced to delay or forgo dental care, which can have detrimental effects on overall health and well-being.

Frequently asked questions