Dental Savings

For many people going to the dentist is a stressful and traumatic event.  While I can’t help you in the fear factor department, I can make some money saving suggestions which will help lower your financial concerns.

The most important thing you can do to save money at the dentist is to schedule regular appointments for cleaning, exams, and x-rays.  Most dental experts recommend seeing the dentist at least every six months.  Most insurances cover all or most of these visits because they know that paying for these preventative measures will be more cost-effective.  Problems that are caught sooner are less invasive and therefore less expensive.

 
Choose a dentist who is on your list of preferred providers so that you will have less out-of-pocket expenses.  If you do not have dental insurance always ask for a cash discount.  Most dentists take less than what they charge from contracted insurances, so there is no reason why they can’t give you a cash discount.

 
My dentist recommends getting a second opinion for any potential major work.  He had a friend who was told he needed a crown, but when he came in to get a second opinion, my dentist felt that a large filling would suffice.  That decision saved his friend several hundred dollars.

 
We have two dental schools in Mesa and Glendale that are a part of the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health.  The work performed at these schools is done by students under the close supervision of certified dentists.  They offer the same services that a private practice performs, at a substantial savings.  The drawbacks are that it may take a little longer to get an appointment and the procedures are more time consuming because as stated previously, this is a learning situation for the student.  

Of course one of the most effective ways to save money is good oral hygiene.  The experts say to brush twice daily and floss once daily.  Since costs associated with this preventative care are a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, simply doing your daily brushing regimen can help you save not only money but your teeth as well.