How to Get Dental Care With No Health Insurance

You can receive free or discounted dental care even if you lack health insurance. Various programs are available, but finding the help will take some digging. Expect to spend a lot of time on the telephone, as you contact state and local agencies that may be able to point you in the right direction.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact the office of the dental director at your state's Department of Public Health. Search for your state at Astdd.org. Explain that you lack health insurance and need dental care. The dental director may be able to direct you to charitable programs in your area.

• 2

  Contact your county health department. Generally, this isn't an option unless you are truly indigent or are already receiving public assistance, such as welfare. If you fall into one of those categories your county may be able to steer you to options for free or discounted care.

• 3

  Search for a dental school in your area. Students at dental schools need patients to work on as they learn their craft, and no health insurance is required for treatment. There may be some out-of-pocket expense to you, but it likely will be far less than what it would cost to see a regular dentist.

• 4

  Call a dentist and explain your situation. Understand that you aren't the only person in this predicament, but the dentist or his assistant at least may be willing to offer advice. The dentist may be able to map out a long-term strategy for your dental needs and clearly spell out the time frame and costs. That could allow you to budget for the visits and pay as you go.

• 5

  Ask the dentist about payment plans. Some dentists have relationships with lending institutions and may be able to arrange a loan. You could also seek a loan from your bank or credit union, or charge services with a credit card.

• 6

  Get creative and offer to barter services. This is a long-shot, but it costs nothing to try. For example, if you own a janitorial service you could offer to provide free cleaning services in exchange for free dental care. Or you may have some other skill or service that could result in a successful barter.

• 7

  Get dental insurance. You can buy dental insurance as a stand-alone product without having overall health insurance. There may be limits on how much work your plan will pay for in a given year, but dental insurance could be a viable option if you don't need a lot of major work done immediately. Search online for the terms "dental insurance" and compare plans.

• 8

  Act on one of these options and make your appointment.