What Should You Do If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance

As we age, our teeth become more prone to fracture and possess a greater risk for decay. Over a period of time, the old fillings will weaken the teeth. This is not the best time to put your dental health on hold.

Yet, many people in their fifties and sixties do not have a dental provider either because they are self-employed, have retired or work part-time. Medicare does not cover the majority of dental care, like fillings, cleanings, dentures, tooth extractions, dental plates or additional dental devices; Part A just pays for specific dental services you might get while hospitalized.

The ACA (Affordable Care Act) will make dental insurance for kids amongst the required ten critical health benefits, yet there isn’t any dental insurance requirement for those over 18 years of age.

Though all of this sounds bad for the uninsured, you’ll still have some choices for obtaining great dental care at an affordable price:

1. Search for a dentist that has a payment plan. Most dentists provide a payment arrangement which will replace insurance. You’ll pay a yearly fee, typically over time, without any financing and interest.

If it’s not possible to locate a dentist in your area that has an affordable-payment plan, look for pro-bono services.

2. Look for events providing low-cost or free dentistry at America’s Dentists Care Foundation, Dentistry From the Heart, or upon your state’s dental association site.

3. Visit a dental school. National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research states that dental schools provide reduced cost, good quality dental treatment. Many have clinics in which students get experience treating patients as licensed, knowledgeable dentists supervise their work. You will locate a listing of accredited dental programs upon the American Dental Association site.

To discuss your dental insurance company plans with Dr. Gilmer’s staff contact Easton Dental Center at (614) 414-0111.