How to Bargain With a Dentist

About 55 percent of today's Americans do not carry dental insurance. This can make a trip to the dentist painful in more ways than one. If you find yourself needing a considerable amount of dental work and don't know how to pay for it, or your deductible is greater than you can afford, consider negotiating with your dentist. It could save you a great deal of money.

Instructions

• 1

  Shop around. Visit a couple of dentists to get a second and third opinion. It can't hurt to make sure the procedure is absolutely necessary, especially if you are not in a great deal of pain.

• 2

  Talk to your dentist about the quotes you have been given. Don't be shy about asking; all the dentist can do is say no -- if she gets offended, consider getting another dentist. Most dentists understand about high co-pays and budgets and will lower their price if you need them to.

• 3

  Expect to benefit the dentist by getting a discount. On average, each patient tells at least 13 people in person about their procedure and the help they received. With social networking on the consumer's side, your dentist knows that the best way to advertise his work is by word of mouth, and a dentist that's willing to bargain will receive more business.