For many, finding an experienced and affordable dentist can be definitely not that easy.
Some people decidedly go for cheap dentistry, only to find that it becomes awfully costly in the long run (Does “cheap can be expensive” ring any bells?). On the other hand, some people keep dreaming about top quality dentistry but fail to phone the dental office because they feel everything will be financially out of reach.
Yet, it is possible to find a good dentist that meets your needs, and at the same time fits your budget. Here are a few tips you can follow to find an affordable dentist:
Find affordable, trustworthy dentists with financing options
You should not choose your dentist on the basis of money alone. Remember that price is not the only variant when valuing dental practices. Leaving your oral health and aesthetics in the hands of an inexperienced dentist is definitely not a good choice (even if fees seem tempting). When looking for an affordable dentist, it is better to look for a professional you can trust, and then consult about financing options. Probably, your dentist can consider in-office payment plans or even discounts for paying in cash or check. Good dentistry equals affordable dentistry when the aim is to keep your mouth healthy in the long run.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your affordable dentist
Suppose you have found the dentist you were looking for. You may want to do some research and check if fees are within the local market rates. Yet, you may feel your choice has been too expensive and you don’t really understand why. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the difference in fees. Prices in dentistry may vary depending on the labs your dentist works with, and the technology and type of materials used for different treatments.
Find Out About the Benefits of Your Dental Insurance
Generally, most dentists accept dental insurance. Although there are differences in how each office works, (some dentists are in-network providers, while others work out-of-network) you should stay informed about the benefits of your dental plan. For example, if your insurance (usually a PPO plan) lets you visit an out-of-network provider, you can get top quality treatments at the office of your choice and then get reimbursed directly to your home. That way, your treatment can be more affordable and you make sure you are taking good care of your mouth and teeth by going to a dentist of your choice.
Affordable Dentist: Find Out About Patient Financing Plans
When looking for an affordable dentist, you may ask if the office works with plans such as CareCredit. CareCredit is a kind of credit card which allows you to pay for health and wellness treatments in monthly payments. It gives you the chance to pay for out-of-pocket costs that your insurance does not cover. Payments for different treatments can extend anywhere between 3 to 60 months and you can apply for this kind of card online. This healthcare financing may be a good alternative to make high-quality dentistry more affordable.
Word-of-Mouth and Referrals
Once you have found someone you trust, you may want to refer your dentist to a friend, co-worker o family member. Particularly in dentistry, people follow recommendations from those who they know directly. And because word-of-mouth is known to be the most reliable source to promote their practice, dentists usually offer special discounts to patients who make referrals. Therefore, if you feel happy with your dentist, spread the word. Ask your dental office about referral discounts or referral programs. For example, our office provides a $75 credit to patients that refer other patients, including family. By recommending your dentist, you can make your own future visits more affordable.
Affordable Dentist: Focus on Prevention to Save Money
Preventive care and timely treatments will greatly reduce dental care costs in the future. This means: brush and floss daily, visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings, pay attention to your gums and be alert if you grind your teeth at night. Also, if you need some dental work done, have it done right away. Don’t wait too long to consult for a damaged tooth or for a filling that falls out. Keep your mouth healthy and you will save your teeth and your money!
The key to affordable dentistry is to consider the value of your oral health. Think of how your oral health connects to your body health, and fancy the comfort of a pleasant smile. Choices on an affordable dentistry should be based on well-informed decisions.
If you want to learn more about ways to keep dentistry more affordable, feel free to email or call Rohrer Dental Wellness Center at
Email: info@drsrohrer.com
Phone: (561) 404-7360
