Emergency Dental Financial Help

Affording good dental care can be daunting. Even for those who have dental insurance, out-of-pocket expenses for a crown can cost upward of $400. So for those who are not covered and may be suffering from cavities, broken teeth, infections or other dental needs, the situation can be frightening indeed. But choices and treatment options are available in most communities. With a little research and ingenuity, you can find a provider to take care of your dental needs often for free or at a greatly reduced rate.

Make That Call

• Start by locating all the viable options available in your community. Do this by calling the Department of Health for your city. Explain your situation and ask if they have programs available for low-income patients. Also ask if you a can have list of the local universities with dental programs that may offer free or discounted care. Every dental student practices on real patients. Unlike with medical residents however, you will not find the resident at a private practice or hospital, so the only way to locate them is at a dental school.

The Nervous Newbie

• If you are not comfortable having a newbie work in your mouth---although they are always supervised by fully-licensed dentists---there are still options. Go on the Internet and find four or five dentists in your area. Go to their website or call them and determine if they have financing options. Many dentists do offer payment plans even if they don't advertise them. There is no harm in asking. If your credit is decent, this is a great option.

Be Determined

• You may also qualify through Medicaid, depending on the gravity of your situation. Do not be ashamed or afraid to ask. That is why Medicaid is there. To determine if you qualify, again contact your local health department. If it turns out that this is not an option, try visiting the website FreeDentistry.com, which has a directory of reduced care in your area. Also, visit the Dental Research Programs site. It will direct you to studies and programs going on in your area. One or more of these options may be a solution. Don't stop looking. Be determined--your teeth depend your willingness to find an answer.

Pay Later, Smile Now

• Finally, many people are unaware of a credit card through Citibank called Citi Health. It is a card used only for health care. You can apply online and they will determine by your area code, the nearest provider in your area. However, if your credit is not great, EZ Pay Solutions Dental offers extended treatment payment plans---essentially layaway for your teeth.