If you cannot visit a
dentist in Buford as frequently as might be necessary, you are not alone. Dental care is expensive. In fact, according to Money Crashers, the cost of dental care has risen by nearly twice the average cost of inflation. Dental insurance is not much help, either. According to U.S. News, the average family pays over $100 in premiums a month, yet most policies cap out at $1,000 a year in benefits. With those figures, it is obvious that dental insurance does not cover much. So, what can consumers do to reduce the cost of dental care?
Affordable dental programs
Though private health insurance may not always help, there are programs available that can help to reduce the cost of oral health care. Below are five ways consumers can keep the cost of dental care to a minimum.
Discount cards
Discount cards are so readily available that people often mistake them for scams. The truth is that these cards can cut the cost of select services by as much as 50%. These cards typically charge a low monthly or annual fee and in exchange allow holders to access quality dental care at reduced rates. For instance, Carefree Dental, one of the more popular cards, requires cardholders to pay $15.95 per month. In exchange, it offers savings of up to 50% on the cost of X-rays, cleanings and other services.
Government programs
Individuals who hover at or are below the poverty line may qualify for dental coverage through Medicaid. Medicaid programs nationwide provide dental coverage for children, but most do not offer coverage for adults. However, some programs, such as the Medi-Cal program in California, offer eligible adults one comprehensive exam per year. It also covers the cost of procedures associated with extreme oral health issues, such as rotted teeth or tooth loss.
Membership plans
Before patients sign up for government programs or discount cards, they should discuss membership plans with a
dentist. Many
dentists offer discounted prices to patients who agree to pay a small monthly fee. For instance, a dentist in Buford may ask members to pay $25 a month. In exchange, members receive two cleanings per year and a discount on additional services.
Nonprofit programs
Several nonprofits across the nation provide affordable dental and orthodontic care to families that otherwise would not be able to afford it. For instance, the American Association of Orthodontists provides braces for children for as little as $200. To qualify, families must show that monthly earnings put them more than 200% over the federal poverty level which, in 2018, was $50,200 for a family of four.
Dental schools
Individuals may be able to find a clinic associated with a dental school. These clinics give dental students hands-on experience while providing patients with care at reduced rates. Many schools offer X-rays and screenings for free, while cleanings are typically no more than $25.
Conclusion
Paying for dental care out of pocket is not cheap. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of dental care, which individuals should discuss with their dentist in Buford.
Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office. Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.