Compared to the cost of medical care, dental is a major healthcare bargain. National averages show that while medical care costs per individual range around $4,000 per year, the cost for dental is about $400 annually.¹ The major reason is that dental care is usually not catastrophic. The average dental bill per office visit is about $125. If you compared this cost to having same day surgery in an ambulatory surgical center you can see that having optimal dental care is very economical. It is also important to realize that good dental care can offset potential major health care problems such as heart disease and stroke.

Unlike medical care and hospitalization which relies heavily on various types of insurance plans featuring high premiums and co-insurance for payment, dental prepayment is more refined. While about 80 percent of the population has some type of medical coverage, only about 50 percent have a dental plan. Thus, most of a person’s dental fees are paid for by cash, credit card or on a payment plan established by the patient’s dentist.

So there is really no excuse for anyone who doesn’t have a dental plan to not see a dentist on a regular basis. This will ensure that you receive proper treatment to maintain good oral health, which leads to a healthier lifestyle.

The various ways of paying for dental care, fall under the following categories:

Fee-For-Service
Traditional Dental Insurance / Self-Insurance
Dollar Based
Managed Care
Consumer-driven
Individual Dental Plans

For individuals experiencing financial hardship, there are low-cost alternatives to these traditional methods of payment.

To find a low-cost or reduced fee dental health care provider near you, use our free SEARCH tool.