How to Negotiate With the Dentist

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they are unable to afford it. Visiting the dentist can be expensive because many people do not have health care plans that cover the cost of dental care. Some dentists may consider negotiating the price of the services they offer out of a spirit of public service, or to ensure that they get business.

Things You'll Need

• Pleasant attitude

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask if your dentist offers discounted prices to those without dental insurance coverage. Many dentists are willing to give discounts, but only if clients ask for them. If you have never thought to ask, it may be a good idea to.

• 2

  Be direct about the reason you want to negotiate the cost of your dental care. If you are experiencing money problems, your dentist may sympathize. If there is a specific cause of the problems that you are experiencing, your dentist may also be willing to negotiate with you. The most important thing you can do is be honest. Making up excuses or lying about why you want lower priced dental care is not at all ideal.

• 3

  Talk to your dentist about any payment plans that they may offer. Payment plans may not offer you the lower prices that you would find with a discount, but payment plans do allow you to pay for the dental care in smaller payments instead of one lump sum. This can make going to the dentist a much more affordable option for you.

• 4

  Suggest the idea of referring others. Some businesses offer discounts to those who refer a certain number of people to them. If you can encourage your friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers to use your dentist, there is a chance that your dentist may be willing to give you a lower price in exchange for new clientele.

• 5

  Prove that you are going to be a regular client for your dentist. Most dentists won't want to offer discounts to customers they will never see again. Making at least a few visits to the dentist prior to asking for a negotiation in price is ideal. If you ask for a discount right away and your dentist is willing to negotiate, be sure to think about booking a future appointment.

• 6

  Remember that your dentist does not need to negotiate prices. Any dentist who is willing to offer lower prices is sensitive to the needs of their customers, but dentists are also business people who need to turn a profit to keep themselves, their employees and their offices in operation. There is no reason to get upset at a dentist who is not willing to negotiate prices with you.