2023’s Best Affordable Dental Programs in Your Area
To put it simply, dental care is expensive. Even with dental coverage, some treatments can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. If you don’t have dental insurance, even preventative care may be outside of your financial reach.
Seniors, in particular, often need access to affordable dental plans, as they usually don’t have access to an option through an employer once they retire. The average out-of-pocket cost of dental services for seniors on Medicare is around $874 annually, and one in five spends over $1,000 on dental care each year. For many seniors, that’s not affordable.
Fortunately, there are alternatives available that are low cost, and some veterans, low-income individuals, and seniors could pay $0 per month to get their dental needs handled. If you’re looking for the best affordable dental plans in your area, here are some options to explore.
Check Out Dental Schools
Dental schools are a low-cost option available to nearly anyone. The reason the cost is reduced is that most of your treatment through these affordable dental programs is handled by a dental student as part of their hands-on training. But that doesn’t make it risky; procedures are overseen by instructors who are licensed dentists. Plus, they’re typically accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which has strict standards schools must follow.
Many dental schools have programs designed to make dental care affordable. For example, you may qualify for low-cost or free dental treatments at a dental school if you’re a senior, have a disability, or are low-income. Generally, you’ll want to contact the dental school directly or explore its website for appointment or pricing information.
Contact the VA
Veterans who qualify for VA dental care benefits can receive some or all of their dental care through the VA. If you’re eligible, you can get services through a VA dental clinic as part of that benefit. You can use the VA’s online search tool to find VA dental clinics where you can schedule an appointment.
Additionally, the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) gives veterans who don’t qualify for VA dental care benefits access to discounted private insurance plans. If you’re a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare or a current or surviving spouse or dependent child enrolled in CHAMPVA, you’re potentially eligible.
Research the Dental Lifeline Network
The Dental Lifeline Network is a nonprofit organization that provides free dental treatment to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who are medically fragile but aren’t eligible for public aid. Many veterans also qualify for services.
Through the Donated Dental Services program, dentists and dental labs volunteer their time and resources to support communities. The network includes 15,000 dentists and 3,400 dental labs across the country, and you can check your eligibility and apply for help online.
Tips for Finding Other Resources
Through the options above, veterans, individuals with disabilities, low-income individuals, and seniors may pay $0 per month for dental services. But while the affordable dental programs above could handle dental needs for many, not everyone is eligible for the programs. Thankfully, it’s possible to find other resources, particularly for children, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
For seniors, other options are available, too. Medicare doesn’t include dental coverage outside of specific circumstances or through particular Medicare Advantage plans. Fortunately, many seniors may qualify for government programs or services through nonprofits.
There are a few ways to find other resources that may help. The Find a Clinic tool through the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFCC) is an excellent resource. You can also contact your local health and human services agency or call 211 to learn about community services in your area.
Finally, you can use online resources to learn about affordable dental programs. If you need affordable dental services, check out the offers in your area below.
