Aflac: 5 Ways to Get Low-Cost Dental Care

New York, USA, July 1, 2024 – Routine dental care can cost hundreds of dollars annually, and major services can be even more costly. However, there are numerous ways to reduce costs for individuals and families, whether through getting assistance covering dental care or seeking low-cost alternatives. This article will explore five ways to get low-cost dental care and keep one’s teeth and gums healthy.

1. Get a dental insurance plan

A dental insurance plan can significantly reduce the cost of nearly all types of dental care. That includes the following:

• Preventative care: Preventative care includes procedures designed to check the patient’s oral health and prevent dental diseases from developing.
• Basic procedures: These relatively simple treatments fix lower-level dental issues.
• Major procedures: These entail more complex treatments to fix significant issues.

In exchange, the policyholder pays monthly or annual premiums that tend to be quite reasonable. That said, policyholders should compare plan types, coverage, limits, and other features to find affordable dental insurance with the coverage they need.

2. Visit a dental school clinic

Dental students must perform services on real patients as part of their education. Dental school clinics often allow patients to obtain services from students at reduced costs so they can complete their educational requirements and get hands-on experience. Faculty supervise students to ensure treatment meets the same standards of care as that found at a professional dental office.

Services cover a wide range of needs. However, dental clinic faculty tend to examine the patient’s case briefly to determine if they’re a suitable candidate for dental school clinic treatment. This option can often work well for patients with simpler dental care needs, but some clinics may be able to accept more complex needs.

3. Look into government programs

Government programs exist to help people cover dental care costs if they meet certain income requirements. For example, Medicaid is a broad government program that helps families cover a range of eligible medical expenses, including dental care.

Another program for parents who need assistance covering their children’s costs is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This program assists families who earn more than the Medicaid threshold in covering dental care for children. The federal and state governments share responsibility for these programs, so eligibility requirements, coverage amounts, and other terms may vary by location. People should check with their state government to see if they qualify.

4. Seek out charitable programs

Many nonprofit dental clinics exist to provide free or low-cost care to those who need it, such as uninsured or underserved individuals. These nonprofits are staffed with professional dentists and hygienists who volunteer their time and expertise. Furthermore, some organizations provide eligible applicants with funds to help cover care at traditional dental practices. For example, dental health nonprofits may offer grants to eligible individuals or families who apply. Grant recipients may receive a lump sum or reimbursement to cover dental costs.

5. Negotiate a payment plan

Some private dental practices may be open to negotiating a payment plan to help patients afford their care. This involves paying the total cost of care over time in fixed monthly installments.

Terms can vary widely based on the dentist and their relationship with the patient. Some may be willing to provide interest-free payment plans and spread out the cost over a longer term if negotiated directly with patients. Others may be handled through third parties, which could have interest and more standardized terms. Patients should review any payment plan before signing to understand interest, fees, deadlines, and other terms.

The bottom line

Dental care doesn’t have to break the budget. Dental insurance, government programs, nonprofit grants, and payment plans can help patients fit traditional dental care into their budgets. Meanwhile, charitable dental clinics and dental school clinics can offer low-cost alternatives without sacrificing the quality of care one can expect at a traditional dentist. These methods can help patients receive dental care that’s within financial reach to maintain a healthy and happy smile.

Coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Dental 81000: In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA.82000: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.

Coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.

In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available in NY or VA.

Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC.  Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2400546  Exp. 6/25

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