how much do dental visits cost without insurance

How Much Does It Cost To Go To The Dentist Without Insurance?

According to the American Dental Association , cost is the number one reason people won’t go to the dentist. And contrary to popular belief, the cost of a dentist without insurance isn’t much different from your annual insurance bill.

Before you look at these numbers, it’s important to remember that modern dentistry has made significant advances to improve the treatment and prevention of dental diseases.

These improvements continue to cause the cost of dental treatment to surge each year. These rising costs make it challenging for those without dental insurance to see a dentist regularly to maintain optimal oral health. 

However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There are plenty of ways you can have dental work done without having that dental insurance card. 

RELATED: HOW TO FIND A GOOD DENTIST – 4 SIGNS YOU FOUND “THE ONE”

How To Get Dental Work Done Without Insurance  

Approximately 74 million Americans have no dental insurance and have to pay their dental costs out of pocket. And since most people think the cost of a dentist without insurance is beyond their reach, many people have been opting out of their bi-annual dentist visits.

Unfortunately, this can lead to more expensive treatment in the future. Lucky for you, there are several options that exist for those without dental coverage! 

Let’s talk about them.

Option 1: Dental Schools 

If you live near an accredited dental school, you can find quality treatment at a lower cost than private dental offices offer. These schools have clinics where dental students work under the supervision of licensed dentists. Typically, the experienced dentist checks every phase of the student’s work to ensure high-quality treatment.

Here’s the catch: you’ll probably need to see these dentist trainees more frequently. It also means more time spent in the dental chair for each visit.

You can find a list of accredited dental schools at the website of the American Dental Association .

Option 2: Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP 

Medicare does not pay for most routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings , dentures, and extractions. Medicare Part A covers some emergency dental treatment provided in a hospital. 

Every state must provide Medicaid dental benefits for children enrolled in their program. Some states also offer dental coverage for adults. When examined by a physician, children might receive an oral screening, but this does not replace the required exam by a dentist.

The minimum dental care provided to children under Medicaid includes:

• Treatment that is necessary to relieve dental pain and infections
• Restoration of broken and decayed teeth
• Procedures that are essential to maintain the child’s oral health

The federal government partners with state governments to offer affordable health coverage for children who can’t qualify for Medicaid due to their family’s income. This program is called the State Children’s Health Insurance Program . It works closely with Medicaid to offer different benefits in each state. 

Option 3: Local Health Departments

Some local health departments provide free or low-cost dental services. 

You can search for a federally funded clinic near you here .

Option 4: Ask About Payment Options 

Suppose you have no dental insurance and no access to any other assistance. In that case, you should find a dentist that has different payment options for their services. One popular payment method accepted by many dentists is CareCredit .

CareCredit provides no-interest financing options for 6-24 months on charges over $200 . You can also take advantage of longer-term financing at reduced interest rates for more expensive dental fees. 

RELATED: HOW MUCH DOES A TEETH CLEANING COST?

How Much is a Dentist Visit Without Insurance ?

The cost of a dentist visit without insurance depends on the service you need. A routine cleaning can cost $75-$200 with an average cost of $127. When this appointment includes dental x-rays, the price can reach $300 or more.

If you need a more extensive cleaning (known as deep cleaning) expect to pay $500-$4,000 for your entire mouth . Even with dental insurance, you likely will pay several hundred dollars for this procedure. This highlights the importance of preventing gum disease rather than treating it.

Sometimes the cost of a dentist without insurance is more affordable than the monthly insurance premiums. This is especially true if all you need each year is basic services such as exams and cleanings.

Even if you do have insurance, you could end up purchasing insurance with a limited provider network. This makes finding a dentist more difficult. Some dental plans have a low annual maximum that makes paying their monthly premium unappealing.

Here is a list of national prices for standard dental procedures that can help you make your decision:

1. Teeth Cleaning

Insurance usually pays all the fees for cleanings twice each year. Standard cleaning from a dental hygienist, on average, should cost about $127. 

2. Composite Tooth Filling

The cost of a filling depends on the size of the cavity and the material used for the filling. Composite, or tooth-colored fillings, can cost $90-$250 to restore one surface and $150-$450 to restore three or more surfaces.

Dental insurance usually pays 50-80% of the fee, and the average cost without insurance is $204.

3. Wisdom Tooth Removal

Having all your wisdom teeth removed at the same time is cost-effective. Without a discount for removing all four, expect to pay around $416 per tooth if you have insurance and $250-$750 without insurance.

4. Endodontic Treatment ( Root Canal )

The cost of root canal treatment can vary considerably depending on the experience of the dentist. Good dental insurance may help pay approximately 50% of the fee, ranging from $1000-$2000.

5. Dental Crown

The materials used to make your crown determine the cost. Patients with dental insurance can pay $530-$1,875 out of pocket for an all-porcelain crown . If you don’t have dental coverage, you can pay $800-$3,000 for this procedure.

RELATED: COMPOSITE BONDING COST, PROCEDURE, AND RESULTS

Steps On How To Go To The Dentist Without Insurance

Finding a good dentist who can provide high-quality dental care helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. If you don’t have a dentist and don’t have dental insurance, here are the steps to take:

• Compose a list of good dentists. Ask friends, family, and other healthcare providers for the names of their dentists.
• Call these dental offices and ask for their out-of-pocket prices for routine check-ups and cleanings. If you know of any specific dental treatments you need, ask for those prices.
• If you live near a dental school and don’t mind the extra time this option requires, get their prices.
• Evaluate the costs of each dentist considering your budget. 
• Choose the best dentist that you can afford. Make sure that the cost of getting an exam and cleaning twice each year fits into your budget. This is critical for your oral health, and it also helps prevent expensive dental problems from developing between dental visits.

RELATED: LOS ANGELES DENTAL: WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PANDEMIC

Want to know our out-of-pocket prices? Just call and ask! Lasry Dental Clinic is located South Beverly and Wilshire in between Beverly Hills and Beverlywood.

I need a cheap dentist for a tooth extraction please!!

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How can I get info on pricing for dental work? Fell and knocked inner area of two front teeth. They were already always rather crooked. Thank you for any pertinent information. Thank you. PK

Patricia Kidd.

I have a broken tooth under my bridge that it is holding up. I need an estimate of pulling my teeth and getting a plate

is there any hope of restoring a rotten tooth ?

See comment below.

There is a dentist in Santa Maria who does everything possible to reconstruct a tooth (avoiding pulling) and he is a miracle worker: I cant remember his name. I also can’t remember if he was Chinese or another Asian group. If I remember I’ll post it, but I do know he also works at slo county correctional facility. He was the only part time dentist they had, so you could call or try to look up on the slo county sheriffs website to figure out his name. I was also accustomed to having laughing gas, but he broke me of that, and I had had almost no dental work done most of forty six or more years, and then I needed about six teeth repaired and cavities filled, the novacine was only the slightest pain ( although anxiety provoking) and only once on a really huge cavity did I wind up gripping the chair so hard I gave myself a blister on my hand! Otherwise the five times I went and had dental work done, it was not bad. Oh it just occurred to me (cause I have medicAre and no supplemental insurance, that the norr clinic in slo I believe has either free or reduced cost dental and medical services for rhe uninsured. I believe the norr clinics are a state of california phenonomena. Sorry I don’t know what norr stands for but I believe it is an acronym:

Always best to get insurance

If you don’t have a dentist and don’t have dental insurance, here are the steps to take:

I have. No insurance and need dental work

A Pediatric dentist costs the price of an insurance copay or without insurance. Children should have a dental checkup twice a year. I truly appreciate your great post!

What’s the point of insurance if you still high out of pocket fees, even if dentist is in network. I’m paying for bone grafts, cat scans, anesthesia, another bone graft to have successful implant surgery. I have Delta Dental Federal High Plan. I’m bracing for shock.

I don’t think you understand how the medical community(and any industrial complex) works. It’s about $$$ and always will be about $$$. They need sick people which is why they charge so much and it takes so long for stick people to get help. They need a continuous supply of cattle to come through so they can pay their bills and buy their toys. Mansions are not cheap. Insurance has always been a scam by the financial industry to be able to control and inflate the prices. You are not just paying for the dentists mansion but also the insurance saleman’s mansion and the bankers 8th mansion, yacht, and private jet.

Please learn about capitalism and how it really works. Survival of the fittest… or, in this case, survival of the greediest. Remember, your teeth effect your health, your happiness, your interaction with others, etc. There is are reason why it is expensive.

The good news is that eventually this system will completely devour itself and all those who benefited from preying upon others will be preyed upon. What comes around goes around.

Thank you for your clear description of medical and dental care in the USA. The pain is real for patients and damages our health by creating fear and insomnia. How can we change this for the better?

Why do people without dental coverage have to pay almost twice the price out of pocket than someone with dental coverage, out of pocket? That isnt fair.

I asked the same question. The reason why is that if they gave the insurance company the same bill as we get as private people, the insurance would not accept them in their network. I had some dental work to do and it would’ve cost me 3000 out-of-pocket. With insurance at $56 a month it’s costing me about $700. I agree it’s not fair. But I guess they get so much business from an insurance that they lower the cost tremendously for insurance companies.

Thank you for mentioning that when children are checked by a physician, they may receive an oral screening, but this does not substitute for the obligatory dental exam. My friend’s youngster has a jaw issue. I will advise her to take her son to a private dentist for an oral screening.

Informative post! This is a great share thank you

Visiting the dentist without insurance can be a costly endeavor. Although it may be tempting to forgo regular visits to save money in the short-term, doing so can end up costing more in the long run due to the development of serious dental issues. The best way to stay on top of oral health is to prioritize preventative care and purchase a dental plan that fits within your budget.

I was surprised to learn that a dentist without insurance can cost quite a bit more than one with insurance. I’m glad I have insurance, because it would have been a lot more expensive without it.

Overall, I was surprised to learn that going to the dentist can be quite expensive if I don’t have insurance. I paid a lot less because of my insurance, and I’m glad I have it.

https://www.cigflorida.com/bonita-springs-insurance-agency/

Thanks for the tip about how look for dental associations will help a lot in finding the right dentistry clinic. I’d like to find a good one soon because I’m thinking about getting a dental crown. That will surely be necessary after a root canal procedure.

I’m on medicaid in NC. How can I have remaining bad teeth removed without xrays?

Insurance benefits are vary from individual to individual. Before make any decision I would advice to contact with your provider and dental office as well to avoid any further unexpected overheads.

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Find a Cheap Dentist Without Insurance Near Me

Looking for a cheap dentist near you without insurance? It can be frustrating, overwhelming, and downright stressful to try to navigate our healthcare system if you are anything less than the top 1% in terms of wealth.

That's why we've compiled a list of some of the most important resources for affordable dental care for adults without insurance, for those who have no insurance but need cheap dental work, or are underinsured, whether due to financing or eligibility problems.

So keep reading to find a cheap dentist without insurance through:

• Federally-funded programs
• Health centers
• Local resources
• Emergency care

Find the best dental financing for your treatment:

Best for Discounts on All Treatments ➡️ Careington Dental Savings Plan

Best Safety Net for Emergencies ➡️ Dental Insurance with Low Premiums

Best for Expensive Treatment Needed Now ➡️ SuperMoney

Best for Chatting with a Dentist Online Now ➡️ Denteractive

Or call the number below to get connected with a dentist in your area and check their dental prices without insurance.

Click here to get connected or call 866-383-0748 (toll-free, 24/7)

Find a cheap dentist near me without insurance

Around 1/3 of adults in the US have no form of dental benefits coverage. And many of those who do have some dental benefits are grossly underinsured, meaning they still can't afford the care they need. Either that or they are paying more than they can afford for monthly premiums or their deductibles.

If dental insurance is out of the picture, a dental discount plan doesn't have to be. Dental discount plans (also called savings plans) are cheaper than insurance, and offer discounts on all dental care, without waiting periods, maximums, or deductibles.

You can search and find out more about these plans by going to Dentalinsurance.com . Click the button below for a free no-obligation quote.

Navigate to the ‘Dental and Vision Rate Quotes' drop-down menu and click on ‘dental discount plans'.

The good news is that there are programs that can help. Chances are, you can find help paying for the dental work you need, the problem is the general lack of awareness that these programs do in fact exist. So we're going to have a look at some of the ways that you can get affordable dental care near you even without insurance.

But before we start, it's important that you understand that it may take some time and effort to find a program that can help you. In this article, we provide a place to start, but it's up to you to make the necessary phone calls and do your due diligence to find a program that works for you. And don't give up if at first, you don't succeed—your dental health is extremely important and it's likely that you will be able to find the help you need.

We're listing this as your first resource because it's imperative to know whether you need help finding housing, general healthcare, dental services and a wide range of other services as well. Anytime you are looking for local resources, you can always call the number for United Way Worldwide . Simply dial 211 and you'll be connected to a vast network of information from professional, highly-trained and very knowledgable representatives.

The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be accessed both by phone and computer. It's a free and confidential service, and you can find information about a wide variety of services, including health and dental care.

If you don't have enough money to pay for a dental insurance plan, or you don't have dental insurance through your healthcare provider, your first stop should be seeing if you are eligible for Medicaid and if your state offers Medicaid dental services.

Your eligibility for Medicaid depends on whether or not your gross income (before taxes) falls under the Federal Poverty Level in your state. These levels change slightly every year, but you can consult this year's here .

To find out more about how Medicaid works and how to get help enrolling, you can read our full article on Medicare and Medicaid dental coverage.

Even if your state doesn't offer dental work on Medicaid, you should still make sure to sign up if you're eligible, because you never know when you could need healthcare.

You may think you can't find affordable dental insurance, especially if you've seen the monthly premiums for regular health insurance. But dental insurance is actually much less than health insurance.

You can search for plans that may even fit within your budget by going to Dentalinsurance.com . There are also plans with no waiting periods and guaranteed acceptance. Click the button below to check prices.

Dental schools

If you're looking for low cost dental care or low-cost braces for adults, dental schools are a really great option. Chances are if you live in a city, there's a dental school near you, and they'll offer you excellent care at a much lower price than you would have to pay at a normal clinic with no dental insurance.

Dental schools often have clinics where their students work in order to gain experience treating real patients. And you can be sure that the care you receive will be good quality because these are students who are reaching the end of their studies and getting ready to go out into the real world, some even starting their own practices.

Additionally, each student is supervised by a licensed dentist with years of training experience. You may even be able to find specialist care at certain dental school, like orthodontic care for braces.

When considering a dental school, make sure it's one associated with the American Dental Association; you can search for a program near you here .

Also, you shouldn't wait until you have a dental emergency to seek treatment. At least yearly routine cleanings are an important part of prevention, which is why you should also consider dental hygiene schools for teeth cleanings without insurance .

Dental plans as low as $20/month

Dental insurance can be more affordable than you think — with basic plans providing 100% coverage of your preventive care. You can  compare the best plans  in your area now! Enter your zip code and DOB below to  get your free quote.

See how much you could save

Clinical trials.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and other accredited medical organizations sometimes look for participants in their studies, whether they are trying out a new way to reduce pain during procedures or a better way to extract wisdom teeth. These clinical trials are both government and privately funded, which means they are no or low-cost for you if you're looking for dental care without insurance.

It's natural if you're wondering whether or not this is a safe option. First, keep in mind that no treatment is 100% safe for everyone, whether you pay thousands of dollars or nothing at all.

But you can be rest assured that clinical trials are as safe as expensive dental care because before any new treatment can be tested on humans, it must go through years of research in laboratories first.

Additionally, Congress has passed laws to protect study participants, with rules such as every clinical investigator is required to make sure that every participant is safe. You can read more about the basics of clinical trials, including your safety as a participant on the National Institute of Health's page here .

And if you decide that you'd like to participate in a trial, you can see which trials are available here .

Discount plans

In general, dentists want affordable dental care for their patients because they are passionate about oral health. Dentists also understand that dental work can be too expensive for many of their would-be patients. For this reason, many dentists offer dental discount plans, so their patients can see a dentist without insurance.

A dental discount plan is sort of like having cheap dental insurance, but there are some important differences. With a discount plan, you can avoid the following:

• Monthly premiums
• Deductibles
• Annual maximums
• Waiting periods

You pay a membership fee and in return get discounted fees on the care you need. You can check out our dental savings plan article here to find out more!

You can also follow the link below for Dentalinsurance.com and you'll be able to browse and compare both discount plans offered by dentists and dental insurance plans in your area.

Dental loans

Another option might be for you to take out a loan for your dental work.

A loan will let you pay for expensive procedures immediately, and then you are responsible for repaying the loan over several months or years. Before taking out a loan, make sure that you will be able to pay it back within the payment deadline, if not you could end up owing significantly more.

If you'd like to see what your options are for taking out a loan, you can use SuperMoney's loan search engine where you can find and compare personal loans for dentistry. Click on the button below to get started.

There are tons of nonprofits around the country that offer affordable dental care to those who have no insurance and need a dentist; the following are some of the most popular:

Dental Lifeline Network

This nonprofit provides free, comprehensive dental care to people with disabilities, the elderly and the medically fragile who can't afford the treatment they need, and can't get public aid. Their program, Donated Dental Services, operates in every state, and you can find your state's program by clicking here .

Mission of Mercy (Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas)

Mission of Mercy provides free healthcare, dental care and prescription medications to individuals who don't have insurance or don't have insurance that covers the treatment they need. They are an independent, faith-based organization that receives no government funding.

This gives them the freedom to provide healthcare without any pre-qualifications, so you don't have to provide residency or financial information. You can go to their website , and then navigate to your state from there to find an upcoming clinic.

America's Dentists Care Foundation

The ADCF is a national non-profit with headquarters in Wichita, Kansas and partners and events all over the country. They provide support to a multitude of charitable clinics that provide free dental care to any person who attends. They also offer comprehensive care clinics for specific populations, like veterans who need dental work .

To find a clinic or program near you, you can check out their event map here . If there are no events currently listed for your area, you can scroll down to the bottom of the page where you'll find a list of all of the various organizations around the country with whom they collaborate.

Give Back a Smile

If you need dental work because you've suffered from domestic abuse, or you know someone who does, you may want to consider the Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program, operated by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation.

GBAS helps women and men who have suffered dental injuries from an intimate partner, spouse or family member. They also provide services for men and women who have dental injuries due to sexual assault. Head to their website to find out more and have a look at the eligibility requirements.

Special Care Dentistry Association

The Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) is an international organization that provides dental care to people with special needs. They partner with professionals from various organizations, including the Council of Hospital Dentistry, the Council of Dentistry for People with Disabilities, and the Council of Geriatric Dentistry. Fill out their referral form here to find the help you or a loved one needs.

For more information about dental care for people with disabilities, read our article here .

Give Kids a Smile (GKAS)

If the average dentist visit cost is too much for you to pay, it doesn't mean your children need to go without care. This program is run by the American Dental Association and provides free dental care services for underserved children around the country.

To find dental care for your child through this program, go to this page where you can find clinics by state, or contact them to ask if there is a Give Kids a Smile program near you.

In the video below, you can watch a dental student's inspiring account of a GKAS event in Arizona.

Local health centers

Wondering how to get dental work but have no money? Health centers may be your answer. Health centers are community-based organizations that offer high-quality primary health care services to those who don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford the private costs of dental care.

They receive their funding from Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance patient fees and other sources as well, like hospitals, federal funding, donors, etc. The healthcare professionals and support staff at local health centers offer culturally competent care and are usually multilingual.

Health centers are safe places to go for quality dental care. They must meet strict requirements in able to receive federal funding. You can read more about organizations like these in our free dental care article.

To find your local health center, go to their search page here .

State and local resources

Your local health department is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to finding low cost dental clinics near you. All you need to do is call your local health department, and ask about their financial assistance programs. To find your department's contact information, search for your state here .

United Way WorldWide

For other local resources, you can always call the number for United Way Worldwide as mentioned above. Simply dial 211 and you'll be connected to a vast network of information. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be accessed both by phone and computer. It's a free and confidential service, and you can find information about a wide variety of services, including affordable dental care.

Dental tourism

Do you need major dental work with no insurance? If you need a large and very expensive dental procedure, like implants, you may find that you can save money by traveling to another country for your dental care.

If saving money is your main goal, one of the best options for residents of the United States is to cross the border into Mexico, where you'll find a vast network of clinics offering quality care with English-speaking dentists.

You may be hesitant to choose this option because of horror stories you've heard about foreign clinics, but that's just not the reality anymore. Clinics in other countries are able to offer affordable dental care because the cost of living in those countries is much lower than it is in the United States.

These low cost dental clinics cater to dental tourists and rely on positive reviews to keep their practices open. Just make sure you do plenty of research on the clinic you want to go to, and read more about dental tourism .

In the video below from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Michael Kosta heads to Mexico to interview people who have gotten their dental work done there. He also interviews a dentist from Arizona who says while people should be cautious when considering dental tourism, he'd rather they get the treatment they need in Mexico, than not get it at all.

Dental emergencies and no insurance

If you have a dental emergency with no insurance , try to find an emergency dentist near you by calling the United Way or your local health center as mentioned above.

You can also go to this FreeDentalCare website . They have organized a database of free and sliding dental care clinics around the country. Most clinics will have an emergency number listed on their website that you can call if your emergency happens outside of normal hours.

If you are losing serious amounts of blood or are in excruciating pain, and believe your life is in danger, visit the emergency room. If you want to read more about what constitutes as a dental emergency, you can check out our article here .

If your emergency happened in the past three months

If your dental emergency happened within the last three months, are eligible for Medicaid, and your state provides Medicaid dental benefits, you may be able to apply for retroactive Medicaid. This will cover your emergency dental fees, but only for bills from up to three months prior to the date of your application.

This is a very complicated process and we do not recommend completing the form for retroactive Medicaid by yourself. To get help with the process, find a Healthcare Navigator. Navigators' services are absolutely free. They are extremely knowledgable about the healthcare system, and if it turns out you aren't eligible for Medicaid, they might be able to connect you with other help to fund your dental emergency with no money .

To find a Navigator near you, head to this healthcare.gov search page and type in your location. It will show results for agents, brokers, and navigators (assisters), so make sure you choose the Navigators or Assisters option.

Dental care for undocumented immigrants

No matter your immigration status, you've got teeth and those teeth need proper care! You can check out Informed Immigrant and search for trusted nonprofits that can help you find the dental care you need.

Affordable dentist near me without insurance

How much does a dentist visit cost if you have no insurance?

If you're looking for dental care for adults without insurance , then chances are, you're already well aware of the exorbitant costs of routine dental work. So since we've clearly identified the problem, let's recap some of the solutions.

Around 74 million Americans, including children, college students , and seniors, have no dental benefits, so it's likely that either you, or someone you know needs low cost or free dental work without insurance. If you don't have dental insurance, even dental cleanings without insurance can be too expensive. Not to mention fixing a tooth abscess without insurance.

It can be difficult to find the care you need, but the good news is, chances are that with some searching, you'll be able to find treatment that you can afford. Follow our advice above, and never hesitate to ask for help.

It's worth even asking at your local dentist office if they offer low cost dental care for the uninsured—and if they don't, they might be able to point you in the right direction.

While you figure out how to find an affordable dentist near you, you might want to have an online consultation with a teledentistry appointment. You can text chat with a licensed dentist for free to understand more about the treatment you need. Or, for a small fee you get have an online consultation where the dentist will prescribe pain relief and antibiotics if you're in pain from an infection. Read more about teledentistry in our guide here .

Finally, you may not have dental insurance because you think you can't afford it. But dental insurance is much more affordable than regular health insurance, so chances are that you could find a plan that fits your budget.

For help finding a plan, go to Dentalinsurance.com . They make it easy to search a wide range of affordable plans in your area.

How much does it cost to go to the dentist without insurance?

Depending on your financial resources, costs for going to the dentist without insurance can be really expensive. You can have a look at these costs for a better idea.

• Professional teeth cleaning : $75–$200
• Deep cleaning : $150–$350
• Root canal treatment : $700–$1,000
• Tooth extraction : $75–$800
• Implants : $1,500–$6,000 (single tooth)

Can you go to the dentist without insurance?

If you're looking for affordable dental care without insurance, the good news is that you absolutely can go to the dentist without insurance , keeping some things in mind. It really comes down to finding a dentist or clinic offering low cost or free care.

Follow the advice listed above in this article, or call United Way at 211 to speak to a highly trained rep who can help put you in touch with the care you need.

How can I find a cheap dentist without insurance near me?

If you are looking for dental care without insurance, chances are you can find it, but you may have to do some looking around. By following these tips, you'll likely find what you're looking for. You can ask at your local health center, or your local dentist if they offer sliding-scale fees. You can also head to freedentalcare.us and type in your zip code to find a free or low cost dentist near you.

You can also call 866-383-0748 to check for dentists in your area and ask for prices without insurance.

ADA.org: Dental Benefits Coverage in the U.S. Consulted 6th April 2020.

Unitedway.org: 211 . Consulted 6th April 2020.

Informedimmigrant.com: Find a service organization near you . Consulted 6th April 2020.

HRSA: Find a health center . Consulted 6th April 2020.

Freedentalcare: Find free dental clinics . Consulted 6th April 2020.

USA.gov: State Health Departments . Consulted 6th April 2020.

ADA.org: Find dental care for your child . Consulted 6th April 2020.

ADCF: Find an upcoming free dental clinic or volunteer opportunity . Consulted 6th April 2020.

Special Care Dentistry Association: Special Care Dentist Referral . Consulted 6th April 2020.

Mission of Mercy: Home . Consulted 6th April 2020.

Healthcare.gov: Find Local Help . Consulted 6th April 2020.

AACD: Find a Dentist . Consulted 6th April 2020.

Dental Lifeline Network: State Programs . Consulted 6th April 2020.

NIH: NIH Clinical Research Trials and You . Consulted 6th April 2020.

ADA.org: Search for dental programs . Consulted 6th April 2020.

Clinicaltrials.gov: Find a study . Consulted 6th April 2020.

ASPE: Poverty Guidelines . Consulted 6th April 2020.

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Dental Cost Estimator (Guide & Calculator )

In this article, we may include products or services we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission to help fund our mission to create more healthy smiles. Here’s our process.

Confused about your next dentist bill? Learn how a dental cost estimator can you understand your expenses. This guide explains how to gauge the cost of dental care, taking into account insurance and other factors. Make informed financial decisions, starting with accurate estimates.

• A dental cost estimator tool provides cost predictions for various dental procedures using details like location, procedure type, and insurance coverage, allowing for more effective budgeting and planning.
• In-network dental providers generally offer cost savings over out-of-network providers, with insurance plans covering in-network services at higher rates, leading to lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
• Dental cost estimators enable patients to estimate the costs of common dental procedures, plan and manage dental care expenses, and make informed decisions, especially when additional treatments or emergency services arise.

Dental Cost Estimator

Use our dental cost estimator tool here !

Imagine having a crystal ball that could estimate dental costs, providing a personalized prediction for your dental procedures based on your location, the type of procedure, and your insurance coverage. A dental cost estimator is that crystal ball, a tool designed to facilitate budget management for dental care. It covers various procedures, including:

• Routine check-ups
• Extractions
• Orthodontic work

These estimators use a variety of factors like procedure duration, the cost of materials, and updated fee schedules to provide accurate estimates. While some online tools offer broad estimates, personalized estimates that consider specific user information provide enhanced precision. 

A dental cost estimator encourages visits to network providers while offering clarity on potential out-of-pocket costs, which can lead to significant savings. In essence, it plays a pivotal role in cost-efficient dental care planning.

Accessing These Tools

So, where do you find these handy tools? Many insurance companies provide dental cost estimator tools to their members, accessible via their online member portal or customer service. But that’s not all; many dental clinics also feature these tools on their websites, allowing patients to estimate costs before their appointments. Additionally, numerous third-party websites offer these estimator tools too.

Checkout our dental cost estimator tool here !

Entering Your Information

Submitting relevant details is necessary for obtaining an accurate estimate. The cost of dental services varies based on geographic location, often calculated using the first three digits of a ZIP code. Additionally, entering specific procedure code, known as CPT codes, is crucial in obtaining an accurate dental cost estimate.

For heightened precision, certain dental cost estimators may ask for additional information, such as the name of your dentist or the ZIP code of the dental office. Users can often choose from a list of typical dental procedures in the estimator tool and may need to provide additional specifics, such as the affected tooth or preferred filling material. With all these details provided, you’re all set to get your cost estimate!

Understanding Your Dental Cost Estimates

After entering the necessary details, the dental cost estimator provides a projection of expenses for your dental treatment, including dentist fees and expected insurance contributions. It also gives insights into insurance limits and out-of-pocket costs. However, these estimates are guides, not guarantees, as actual costs can vary.

Considering a 1Dental savings plan might be beneficial, offering transparent savings on dental services without the uncertainties of insurance limits, making your dental care expenses more predictable and manageable.

In-Network vs Out-of-Network Providers: Cost Implications

Having introduced the dental cost estimator, it’s time to compare some dental costs . Specifically, let’s talk about the cost differences between in-network and out-of-network providers. Dental cost estimator tools allow users to compare costs across various in-network dentists, which can lead to significant cost savings.

However, choosing out-of-network providers with PPO dental plans tends to result in higher out-of-pocket expenses compared to in-network care. HMO dental plans typically do not cover any expenses for out-of-network dental services, leaving patients fully responsible for payment. Therefore, insurance plans may either not cover out-of-network dental services at all or cover them at a substantially lower rate, thereby increasing patient’s out-of-pocket costs.

The Benefits of Staying In-Network

So what exactly defines an in-network dentist? An in-network dentist is part of a collection of contracted providers that compose the provider network for a specific dental insurance plan. Staying in-network means you’re visiting dentists who have agreed upon set rates with your insurance company.

Why does this matter to you? Well, being a member of a dental network can offer:

• cost savings on dental services
• a low membership fee
• maximizing your dental benefits
• keeping your out-of-pocket costs low

In essence, staying in-network can help you save money on dental services.

Considering Out-of-Network Options

Despite the cost benefits of staying in-network, what happens if your favored dentist isn’t part of the network? Or what if the in-network dentists aren’t located conveniently for you? In such cases, it’s worth considering out-of-network options. However, keep in mind that insurance plans typically reimburse out-of-network care at a lower rate, leaving you with higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Dental cost estimators can help here, providing potential out-of-pocket cost figures, factoring in the difference between the insurance coverage and the out-of-network provider’s charges. Remember, out-of-network cost estimates reflect actual billed charges without discounted fees, and the cost range is estimated based on the usual and customary charges within your ZIP Code.

Estimating Costs for Common Dental Care Needs

We’ve covered the concept of a dental cost estimator and examined the cost implications of in-network and out-of-network options . Now let’s delve into how dental cost estimators can help you plan and budget for routine check-ups, basic procedures, and major dental work.

Using a cost estimator, you can:

• Plan for an entire dental visit, including multiple procedures
• Estimate the cost of each procedure
• Determine the total cost of your visit
• Compare costs between different dentists or dental offices
• Budget for your dental expenses

By using a dental cost estimator, you can have a better understanding of the financial implications of your dental care and be better prepared to manage your expenses.

But how about the unexpected costs that arise beyond preventive care? Dental cost estimators can help reduce the fear of surprise costs by providing transparency about what is covered by dental insurance. From routine check-ups to major dental work, let’s explore these common dental care needs and how you can estimate their costs.

Routine Check-ups and Cleanings

Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining oral health. But without insurance, these visits can cost anywhere from $90 to $200, with new patients possibly incurring costs upwards of $400 due to initial exams, x-rays, and fluoride treatment. Dental cost estimator tools allow you to include additional services such as cleanings or x-rays in your visit for a comprehensive cost overview.

But what about x-rays? Costs for dental x-rays vary, with a single basic x-ray costing approximately $30 and panoramic x-rays going up to $120. These may not be fully covered by insurance, so it’s worth considering these costs when planning your visit.

Basic Procedures

Now, let’s talk about basic procedures, like fillings and extractions . The cost of dental procedures without insurance can vary widely. For instance, filling a tooth can cost between $150 and $1,100, depending on the type of filling material and how badly the tooth is decayed. Composite resin fillings average about $200 for one surface, while amalgam fillings are typically around $150 for one surface.

The cost of pulling a tooth also varies. A simple extraction costs about $300 per tooth, while removing a wisdom tooth surgically can cost between $1,000 and $3,000. The price depends on factors like the tooth's location, the dentist's experience, the local cost of living, and how complicated the extraction is.

Even basic dental care, like deep cleanings , can be expensive without insurance.

Major Dental Work

For bigger dental jobs, including braces or Invisalign , dental cost estimator tools can give you an idea of what you might pay. Dental insurance usually covers some of the cost for these orthodontic treatments. Apps like My Invisalign™ can help you check what your insurance will cover.

Knowing these costs ahead of time can help you budget for your dental care and avoid financial surprises. Understanding the expenses involved allows you to make smarter choices about your dental health.

Maximizing Dental Benefits with Accurate Estimates

Getting accurate estimates of dental costs is also key to making the most of your dental insurance. Many plans cover the cost of an annual deep cleaning and check-up, including x-rays. It's important to keep track of your deductibles and the maximum amount you can spend out-of-pocket each year to fully benefit from your insurance.

When presenting dental cost estimates to patients, it’s important to include the full cost, insurance coverage, and the patient’s expected portion, while emphasizing the term ‘estimated’ to highlight that these are not guaranteed amounts. With current insurance breakdowns and a clear understanding of total treatment costs, you can ensure the most effective use of dental benefits.

Optimizing Dental Benefits with 1Dental

Align your dental treatments with your insurance coverage for optimal benefits. Supplying your insurance details to estimators helps calculate accurate costs, including out-of-pocket expenses. Dental insurance generally covers much of the costs for necessary procedures, with in-network providers offering lower copays and full coverage for some services.

For treatments beyond insurance coverage, options like payment plans and low-to-no down payment financing are available. Consider 1Dental to extend your coverage, providing additional support and options to manage dental care costs effectively, ensuring you get the most out of your dental benefits.

1Dental offers 60% OFF Dental Care get a plan here today and save!

Timing Procedures Wisely

Just as timing is crucial in many aspects of life, it is equally important when it comes to dental procedures. Strategically timing your dental procedures can help you:

• Stay within your insurance coverage limits
• Minimize out-of-pocket costs
• Ensure that you’re taking care of your dental health
• Manage your dental care expenses wisely

With the right timing and careful planning, you can achieve all of these goals.

Navigating Unexpected Dental Services

Life often throws curveballs at us, and these can sometimes take the form of unforeseen dental services. From dental emergencies to additional treatments suggested during a routine visit, unexpected dental services can make your dental care costs balloon without warning. But can dental cost estimators help in such scenarios? Absolutely! They can be particularly useful in the case of dental emergencies, where urgent care is required and there’s limited time to prepare financially.

During dental emergencies, patients may face procedures that are not covered by their current dental plan. Using a cost estimator helps in understanding potential out-of-pocket expenses. Similarly, if a dentist recommends treatments that weren’t initially planned, the cost estimator can help re-evaluate the overall expenses, aiding in decision-making. In situations where treatment extends beyond what was originally planned, being financially prepared by using cost estimates can minimize stress and financial strain.

Emergency Dental Care

Emergency dental services can be unexpectedly necessary and often carry additional costs due to their urgent nature. Common dental emergencies include:

• Dental abscesses
• Lost fillings
• Broken crowns
• Traumatic injuries to the teeth

All of these can require different levels of care and expense.

The type of treatment needed, the experience of the dentist, and the location of the clinic can influence the overall cost of emergency dental care. Emergency dental procedures may result in a higher cost than similar non-emergency procedures due to out-of-hours service, immediate attention, and possible need for follow-up treatments.

Additional Treatments

There may be a need for further treatments beyond the initial diagnosis. These can come as a surprise and can significantly affect your dental care budget. Cost estimators can provide an initial estimate for unexpected additional treatments, though these estimates can be subject to change.

Actual costs may vary from initial estimates due to the unique circumstances surrounding each patient’s dental health and necessary procedures. Decisions made by dental professionals during treatment can affect the final cost of additional treatments.

Therefore, patients should be informed about their financial responsibility for any treatments that may not be covered by their insurance.

In a nutshell, dental cost estimators are powerful tools that can help patients navigate the often complex landscape of dental care costs. They provide personalized estimates for a wide range of dental procedures, encouraging cost-efficient dental care planning. By understanding the cost implications of choosing in-network vs out-of-network providers, estimating costs for common dental care needs, and effectively navigating unexpected dental services, patients can maximize their dental benefits and manage their dental care expenses wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a root canal and crown cost.

A root canal can cost around $1,000, while a crown typically costs between $850 and $1,900, but prices may vary by location and dental office.

What's the price for pulling a tooth?

Pulling a tooth can cost from $75 to $200 if it's straightforward. But if the tooth is stuck or complicated to remove, it might cost from $800 to $4,000. Extra charges for things like sleeping gas or x-rays can add more to your bill.

How much do dental treatments cost?

The price for dental treatments changes depending on what you need to get done. It's a good idea to talk to a dentist to know exactly how much it will cost.

What's a dental cost calculator?

A dental cost calculator is a handy online tool that guesses how much you'll have to pay for dental work, helping you plan your money for teeth care.

What's the deal with in-network vs. out-of-network dentists?

The deal is, in-network dentists have special deals with your insurance that can save you money, while out-of-network dentists might make you pay more from your pocket. Keep this in mind when picking who looks after your teeth.

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Can I Go to the Dentist Without Insurance (& How Much Is It)?

If you don’t have access to dental coverage through your employer, you’re not alone— 25% of Americans are in the same boat. You might be wondering if you can still go to the dentist, and how much it will cost you. I’m here to set the record straight: you can absolutely get dental work done without insurance. 

However, there are some complications you’ll need to navigate, including surprise bills, varying costs, budgeting, comparing practices, etc. Luckily, there are a few ways to figure out how much care will cost before you reach the dentist’s chair. 

As a dentist myself, I’ll give you an inside look at what goes into charging for dental work, along with expert advice for figuring out how much you’ll pay. Plus, we’ll explore a new kind of dental plan designed specifically for people without employer-sponsored insurance.  

How Much Does Dental Treatment Cost Without Insurance? 

The biggest hurdle you face when visiting the dentist uninsured is opaque pricing: every dental practice will set different prices for different services. Luckily, we have data to give you a general idea of how much you might pay out-of-pocket for visiting the dentist. Our information comes from FAIR Health , an organization that collects and publishes fee data from around the country.

States have varying costs of living, which affect how much residents pay for rent, food, and even healthcare. Since Tampa is a mid-sized city in Florida, which is right in the middle of Patriot ’s cost-of-living rankings by state, it’s a good benchmark to use as an estimated average cost across the U.S. 

Here’s how much you’d likely shell out if you pay in cash for common dental services in Tampa:

Annual Cleaning—$114

Fillings—$286

Veneers—$1,687

However, don’t underestimate how much costs can vary by location. Here’s how much the same common dental services cost in Manhattan: 

Annual Cleaning—$231

Fillings—$450

Veneers—$2,800 

The stark differences here are something to chew on (sorry, dentist pun), but using these estimates as a guideline can help you budget.

Do Dental Insurance Carriers Pay the Same Amount as Cash Payers? 

Short answer: No. Insurance companies have the resources to negotiate costs way down, and they do so with the collective bargaining power of their subscriber base. 

Insurance carriers are very secretive about what they’re actually paying, so even if you are covered it can be difficult to tell whether you’re getting a fair price. But the result is the same: set prices for cash payers are not the same as what insurers are paying, so much so that NPR calls them, “fiction.” 

On the other hand, patients paying out-of-pocket have no leverage. They pay what the dentist charges, and can’t easily compare prices to see if they could get a better deal elsewhere.

What Are My Options for Going to the Dentist Without Insurance?

Good news first: Yes, you can go to the dentist without insurance. Now the bad news. If your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you have limited options for managing dental appointments. 

1. You Can Purchase Your Own Insurance Plan

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you can purchase your own insurance plan through the government’s online marketplace . In my experience as a longtime dentist who works to help patients take control of their dental costs, this can be one of the most unfair deals. The plans available for individual purchase are usually loaded with restrictions. Here are some of the most common ones I see:

Annual contracts that lock you in for a full year, whether you use it or not

Low annual maximums, limited restorative & major coverage in the first year 

Treatment restrictions on the stuff you actually want (thinking about Invisalign? Your insurance might say think again)

Out of pocket costs at each visit, ranging from 20-50% of the total

Simply put, for many patients, this option does not make sense. 

2. Fend for Yourself

Traditionally, there is no easy way to compare prices. So if you’re paying out-of-pocket, you’re really at the mercy of whatever your dentist decides to charge. And since many patients don’t find out what they’re paying until the bill comes, you can be in for a surprise. 

It is technically possible for individuals to negotiate their bills, but that is more commonly done for hospital visits. Most run-of-the-mill dentists won’t negotiate. After all, if you’ve already received the service, you don’t have much of a leg to stand on for bargaining.

3. Use Smylen!

That’s why my co-founders and I started Smylen , an app that lets you compare prices and book dental work online. It’s a better solution for the nearly 25% of Americans who don’t get dental coverage through their employer. 

You get access to top dentists and incredible discounts up to 80% off what you might pay if you book by yourself. You’ll also never have to guestimate how much dental work will cost or get stuck with a surprise bill again. You can see exactly how much you’ll pay, and compare the prices to find the right practice for you. 

Unlike insurance, you only pay for what you use, so there are no wasted premiums. Plus, there are no restrictions on treatment, so you can make your own choices about cosmetic treatment, implants, whitening, and more. All of this with total transparency. 

While you can still go to the dentist without insurance, there are a lot of hoops to jump through if you book by yourself. But Smylen has your back, helping you find the right provider by comparing upfront pricing on dental procedures. To see just how easy it is to book and save on dental work without insurance, check out Smylen today.

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Dental Work Costs Without Insurance

• Costs for Common Procedures

Alternatives to Dental Insurance

Why some people must pay out of pocket for dental care, frequently asked questions (faqs), the bottom line.

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How Much Does Dental Work Cost Without Insurance?

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The cost of dental work without insurance depends on the services you need. It can range from around $100 for a simple cleaning to a few hundred dollars for a tooth filling to thousands of dollars for a tooth implant and crown.  

You're not alone if you don’t have dental insurance and need work done. According to the American Dental Association, around 23% of U.S. adults don’t have dental benefits. Even if you do have insurance, it will only cover part of the cost of more expensive treatments and it might not cover some procedures at all. Before seeing the dentist, it helps to know just what you might pay. There are strategies you can use to save on dental work without insurance. 

Key Takeaways

• On average, the cost of dental work ranges from about $100 for an exam to $150 for an amalgam filling, $1,500 for a crown, and $3,500 for a dental implant. 
• Dental procedures are generally classified as preventive, basic, or major care.
• In general, preventive services such as cleaning are the least expensive dental work, while major services such as implants are the most costly.
• Pricing varies based on your needed service and any complicating factors or requirements.
• If you can’t afford dental care, there are some institutions and organizations that may be able to help you get free or reduced-cost dental services.

The three major categories of dental services vary in cost depending on the dentist’s location, specific procedures you need, and other complicating factors.

Preventive Services Costs

In general, preventive care includes the least expensive dental care. These services—such as exams and cleanings—might cost just a few hundred dollars per year or less. If the dentist notices an issue during the exam, diagnostic procedures help determine the right action.

Basic Services Costs

Basic services include tooth repair, emergency pain-relieving treatment, simple tooth extractions, and gum cleaning. These services usually cost more than preventive treatment, depending on how complicated the procedure is and your chosen dental materials. For example, a silver-colored filling will cost less than a tooth-colored filling.

According to American Dental Association data, about 21% of U.S. adults have untreated dental cavities or decay.

Major Services Costs

Major services include crowns and inlays/onlays, implants, bridge repair and construction, dentures, and even night guards. These are the most expensive dental procedures. Dental insurance typically only covers a smaller portion of procedures or limits how often you can do the procedure. 

Costs for Common Dental Work Procedures Without Insurance

Here are some average national prices for standard dental work without insurance, based on a survey produced by the American Dental Association. Out-of-pocket costs may be higher or lower where you live. 

Dental Cleaning Costs 

A simple cleaning for an adult runs an average of about $98 nationally, while a dental exam costs around $55 to $87, depending on whether you’re a new or existing patient and how thorough the exam is. But if you decide to add on services, costs may increase. For example:

• Topical application of fluoride: $42
• Dental X-rays: $48-$101, depending on the number of X-rays
• Tooth sealants: $58 per tooth 

Cavity Filling Costs 

Cavities or decay inside a permanent tooth can be filled with a silver-colored (amalgam) or tooth-colored (composite) material. Costs for a filling often depend on the number of fillings needed and whether it’s for a back tooth or front tooth. 

Amalgam on the surface of one tooth costs an estimated average of $146 nationally, while a composite is around $174, according to the ADA survey. But pricing can vary by state. In New Hampshire, for example, the statewide average for an amalgam filling is $224.

You may also need local anesthesia, which could run around $35 for your treatment. Nitrous oxide is about twice the price, at $73.

Tooth Extraction Costs

Removing a tooth may cost as little as $135 or as much as $500—or more. The cost depends on the complexity level and the tooth's condition when it’s time to pull it. A tooth may be simple to remove or require additional oral surgery if it’s impacted. 

Tooth extraction will likely also incur costs for anesthetic (as with fillings). Depending on the reason for removal, you might need to get an implant or denture for the empty space left behind. But if you remove impacted wisdom teeth, you would need an implant. 

Dental Implant Costs

Implants are among the more expensive dental work you can get without dental insurance . Implants involve a two-step process. The implant is commonly a post implanted into the jaw. This implant supports a crown for one tooth or a bridge for several teeth. The implant process can be complicated—and more costly—if there’s a need for a bone graft or other issues arise.

However, simply surgically placing the implant costs around $2,000 or more. Adding an abutment and crown atop the post is around another $1,500. Additional complications such as needing bone grafts add another $500 or more to the final price. 

Denture Costs

Dentures are false teeth that may be created for one tooth, a group of teeth, or an entire upper or lower jaw. A single-tooth denture might cost around $193 per tooth, but expenses rapidly increase based on the type of denture you need.

An immediate denture replaces missing teeth using materials prepared in advance, costing around $1,850 for the entire jaw. Conventional dentures take longer to craft and cost around $100 less. 

Partial dentures only replace part of your jawline and teeth and cost $1,338 to $1,800 or even more. 

Root Canal Costs 

A root canal drills into a tooth to clean out an infection, save the natural tooth, and seal any damage. Then, a crown may be placed on top of the tooth. The tooth location may influence root canal costs—a molar root canal is typically more expensive than a root canal in other locations. 

So, like with many other dental procedures, several costs may add up. The cost of just the root canal is around $1,109. These prices may vary based on location—in New Hampshire, the average cost for a root canal is closer to $1,600.

Then, depending on the type of treatment for the repaired tooth, costs vary greatly—but a crown averages around $1,446 nationally.

Scaling and Root Planing Costs

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning of your teeth below the gumline. This service costs around $303 per quadrant or a quarter of your mouth. It typically includes four or more teeth. 

Some dental insurance plans are more affordable than others—especially dental HMOs . So if you think you might need expensive procedures in the next few years, it may cost less than you think to get insurance now. Dental discount plans may also help you get the care you need at a reduced cost.

But if those don’t work for you, consider the following options.  

Dental Schools and Dental Hygiene Schools

These schools allow future dentists and dental hygienists to treat patients, earning necessary dental experience while offering reduced-cost care. Experienced, licensed professionals may provide care or oversee student work and training. These programs may offer income-adjusted sliding scale fees. 

Dental hygiene clinics focus on training for cleanings and may offer very low rates, such as $20 for a cleaning, x-ray, and exam. 

Community Health Centers

Community health centers across the U.S. offer integrated oral health to underserved populations, including those needing dental work without insurance . In 2021, health center dental programs had 14.4 million patient visits.  

Community health centers may offer a broad range of services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and mouth guards. Some may even provide cosmetic services such as tooth whitening and veneers. 

Faith-Based and Community Organizations 

If you’re uninsured, you may be able to access dental services through faith-based organizations or community organizations. You may be able to get exams, cleanings, dentures, tooth removal, and other services for free or at extremely low cost. 

Dental Offices

In some states, such as California, specific dentists strive to offer low-cost dental care. You can seek out these dentists through local and regional organizations such as the California Dental Association. Some dental associations offer “Missions of Mercy” clinics in conjunction with America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF).

You must pay monthly premiums for dental insurance . When weighing coverage options, some people find they’d pay more in premiums than they’d use in dental care for the year, particularly those who don’t have a complicated oral history. For example, if you only get cleanings, your annual insurance premiums could total more than your cleanings, exams, and fluoride would cost without insurance. 

Insurance can also be confusing or difficult to buy and use. For example, you may not know that your insurance limits how often you can have a procedure done. It might say you only get coverage for dental implants or removals once per lifetime and tooth space. Or a night guard to prevent tooth grinding might be covered only once every five years.

If you need these procedures outside the time limits, you may pay the same as if you didn’t have insurance. 

Finally, some people have insurance but discover it doesn’t cover procedures as they thought it might. Dental insurance may exclude procedures due to a waiting period , not cover a specific type of procedure, or set a low annual limit for how much the plan pays per year.

Almost 10% of US adults can’t access dental care due to cost.  

How Can I Fix My Teeth If I Don't Have Money?

You can investigate alternative options if you don’t have money to fix dental problems. You may get help through dental schools, dental hygiene schools, community health clinics, faith-based organizations, and state and local health departments or community centers. Some programs may offer free care or sliding-scale fees for dental services based on your income. 

How Do People Afford a Lot of Dental Work?

American Dental Association research found that adults with Medicaid benefits had more invasive services, such as oral surgery procedures. This could be because Medicaid helps defray the cost of dental care. Others without access to Medicaid dental services may need to save money, pay a higher premium for dental insurance coverage, take out a personal loan , or use a dental financing program. 

Are Dental Expenses Tax-Deductible?

Yes, if you itemize expenses for your taxes, out-of-pocket dental expenses may be tax deductible. However, the expenses must total 7.5% of your year’s adjusted gross income and must be expenses for which you received no reimbursement from insurance or another source. Deductible expenses may be both preventive treatments and dental disease treatments. Some dental expenses, such as teeth whitening, are not tax deductible. Your dental insurance premiums aren’t tax-deductible unless you’re self-employed. 

While dental work without insurance may be expensive, the financial costs of untreated dental issues may be even higher. Untreated dental disease can lead to problems with eating, speaking, and tooth loss, which can then lead to an unhealthy diet and additional chronic issues. 

So, seeking help for dental issues is essential, whether you pay out of pocket, rely on affordable dental services or financial assistance, or purchase dental insurance to help defray the costs. Keeping up with preventive measures such as routine brushing and flossing can help avoid long-term dental problems—and their costs.

Humana. “ Costs of Common Dental Procedures .”

American Dental Association. “ Coverage, Access & Outcomes .”

American Dental Association. “ Survey of Dental Fees 2020 .”

NH Health Cost. “ Silver (Amalgam) Dental Filling .”

NH Health Cost. “ Molar Root Canal .”

National Institutes of Health. “ Finding Low-Cost Dental Care .”

U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. “ Oral Health and Primary Care Integration .”

America’s Dentists Care Foundation. “ Clinic Schedule .”

AMA Journal of Ethics. “ Health Equity Needs Teeth .”

IRS. “ Medical and Dental Expenses .”

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Home » Blog » How Much Will My Dental Visit Cost? Common Dental Care Costs Explained

How Much Will My Dental Visit Cost? Common Dental Care Costs Explained

Dental insurance can be a huge help. Even the most basic plans can allow you to keep your teeth clean and healthy at an affordable price.

But people may not realize that even the best dental plans don’t guarantee your costs are covered. And if you don’t have dental insurance , you’re facing the cost of dental care unassisted.

At Access Health Dental, we don’t want you to be caught by surprise when trying to take great care of your teeth. Here’s what you can expect insurance to pay for and how much you might be spending on common dental procedures out of pocket.

What Dental Insurance Covers

About 90% of employees working for companies with 500 or more people have an option for dental insurance. Individual plans vary in what they cover depending on the dental insurance company and the tier of coverage.

Here’s what most will cover:

• 100% of preventative care , including two annual cleanings and X-rays
• 80% of basic procedures, like fillings, root canals, or crowns
• 50% of major procedures, like tooth implants, wisdom teeth removal, or dentures

The exact percentages of what your plan will cover vary, as will the prices your dentist charges for their services. In addition to paying for at least a portion of your care, you’ll likely have to pay a premium every month (unless your employer covers this).

And a word to the wise: If you’ve had a gap in dental insurance coverage, you may need to wait a period of time before your insurance plan will cover costs. Plus, even with the best dental insurance, most plans have a cap on how much they will pay per year. Once you hit that, you’ll be paying out of pocket.

If you don’t have dental insurance — because you work part-time, freelance, don’t work, or don’t have a job that offers it — it’s helpful to know what you might be in for when your bill arrives. Here are the most common dental costs.

Dental Care Costs

As you age, you might find yourself needing more extensive dental care than you did as a kid. Your teeth might become more prone to decay, or old fillings might need to be replaced.

We’ve looked up the cost of common dental procedures — including the cost of preventative dental care , fillings, crowns, and root canals — so you have an idea of what to expect if you’re paying yourself.

Basic Dental Cleaning

The American Dental Association recommends going to the dentist at least once a year for a cleaning. Depending on your teeth and oral history, you might be better off going twice.

During your visit, your dentist might recommend X-rays to keep a closer eye on your teeth.

• Basic dental cleaning and polish cost between $75 and $200.
• Panoramic X-rays, which are recommended every 1 to 3 years depending on age, can cost between $100 and $200.

* Source: Humana

If you have tooth decay that has led to a cavity, you’ll need to get it filled to prevent further issues. There are a few different kinds of fillings, and each varies in cost.

Amalgam Fillings

• Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals : half liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy of silver, tin, and copper.
• They’re often referred to as “silver fillings” for their color.
• Amalgam fillings can range from $50 to $150 for one to two teeth.

Resin Composite Fillings

• Resin composite fillings are made of durable synthetic resin .
• They cost $90 to $250 for one to two teeth.

Glass Ionomer Cement Fillings (GICs) 

• Glass ionomer cement (or GICs) is made of alumina, silica, and calcium.
• They typically cost between $90 and $250 for one to two teeth.

Gold Fillings

• Gold fillings are made of cast gold, the same kind of gold in a piece of jewelry.
• They’re the longest-lasting material for fillings, but they don’t match the color of your teeth and tend to be the most expensive.
• Gold fillings can cost $250 to $4500 for one to two teeth.

If a filling is large enough, your dentist might put a cap on top called a crown to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.

You might also need a crown to hold a dental bridge in place, cover a misshapen tooth, dental implant, or a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal.

There are a few different materials for crowns, varying in durability and cost.

Metal Crowns

• Metal crowns might be gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium.
• They’re the most durable material, but don’t match your teeth (perfect for molars).
• A metal crown might cost $500 to $1,500.

Porcelain Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns  

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) have a metal cover underneath a porcelain crown.
• They match teeth well but may chip or wear down.
• A porcelain fused-to-metal crown may coast $600 to $1,800.

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

• All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns use porcelain (a kind of clay) without the metal underneath.
• They’re the best natural color match to your teeth but aren’t as strong as a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown.
• An all-ceramic or all-porcelain crown may cost $800 to $2,000.

If the tissue around your tooth has become infected, you might need a root canal. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans the tooth, then fills and seals it back up to prevent further issues.

There are two types of root canals: incisor and molar.

Incisor Root Canal

• An incisor root canal is performed on your front and canine teeth. They usually have a single root containing one root canal.
• An incisor root canal might cost $500 to $1,000.

Molar Root Canal

• A molar toot canal is performed on your premolars and back molars. Each has two or three roots, each containing either one or two root canals.
• A molar root canal might cost $800 to $1,500.

Tooth Extractions

When other methods of prevention and treatment haven’t worked, you might need to have the tooth removed or pulled in what’s called a tooth extraction .

This could be necessary with severe tooth decay, a fracture in your tooth, an impacted tooth, crowded teeth, severe gum disease, or dental injuries.

There are three kinds of tooth extractions: simple, surgical, or wisdom teeth.

Simple Tooth Extraction

• During a simple tooth extraction , you stay awake and are given local anesthesia to numb the pain.
• A simple tooth extraction might cost $75 to $250 per tooth.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

• A surgical tooth extraction means you’ll receive local anesthesia and either general anesthesia and/or intravenous anesthesia.
• You’ll be unconscious during the procedure.
• A surgical tooth extraction might cost $180 to $550 per tooth.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

• Removing your wisdom teeth is a surgical tooth extraction specifically for your third molars or wisdom teeth.
• Wisdom teeth extraction might cost anywhere from $120 to $800.

  Dental Savings Plan to Help Pay for Dental Care

If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover all the dental care you need, you might be facing scary bills from your dentist.

The best treatment is preventative care — see your dentist annually for cleanings and check-ups. If you need more care between annual visits, Access Health Dental offers special savings plan to help you cover costs.

Our AHD Smiles Dental Savings Plan includes free check-ups and a discounted fee schedule (with exclusive 40% savings). We also offer discounted orthodontics and specialties. Plus, our patient referral rewards program allows you to earn rewards and credits for every friend, co-worker, and family member you refer to us.

The AHD Smiles Dental Savings plan has no annual maximums (unlike many insurance plans), no deductibles, no pre-authorization requirements, no pre-existing condition exclusions, and no waiting periods on treatments.

At Access Health Dental, we believe everyone deserves access to dental care. Learn how you can save money while taking care of your teeth.

Enroll in our AHD Smiles Savings Plan today >

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Cost matters

How much is it going to cost? Want to know before you set foot in the dentist’s office? Get started here.

Our Dental Care Cost Estimator provides estimated cost ranges for common dental care needs. 

The Dental Care Cost Estimator provides an estimate and does not guarantee the exact fees for dental procedures, what dental benefits your plan will cover, or your out-of-pocket costs. Estimates should not be construed as financial or medical advice. For more detailed information on your dental care costs, please consult your dentist or your Delta Dental.

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Information regarding the Cost Estimator content

If you are experiencing a medical or dental emergency, you should seek appropriate emergency medical or dental assistance, such as calling "911." To begin using the Dental Care Cost Estimator tool, click the Agree button below. By clicking, you agree that you have read the information below, are accessing this information for purposes of determining treatment cost estimates for dental care services you are considering receiving, and will not use the information in this tool for a commercial or anti-competitive purpose. The costs provided in this tool are estimates only and are not a guarantee of payment or benefits. Your actual cost may be higher or lower than the estimate for various reasons.

General information regarding your health care

The information and content (collectively, "Content") on this website is for your general educational information only. The Content cannot, and is not intended to, replace the relationship that you have with your health care professionals. The Content on this website is not medical advice. You should always talk to your health care professionals for information concerning diagnosis and treatment, including information regarding which drugs or treatment may be appropriate for you. None of the information on this website represents or warrants that any particular drug or treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Health information changes quickly. Therefore, it is always best to confirm information with your health care professionals.

The Dental Care Cost Estimator sometimes groups together, into "treatment categories," services that are often delivered together to address a particular dental problem. The description of different treatment categories, and the inclusion of particular services in a treatment category, is not advice that any particular treatment category is the right treatment for you or that you should not obtain any particular treatment. All of those matters are things that you should decide, in consultation with your dental care professionals. This cost estimator is intended for use in the 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. If you live outside the U.S., you may see information on this cost estimator about products or services that are not available or authorized in your country.

General information regarding your dental benefits

• Nothing on this website guarantees eligibility, coverage, or payment, or determines or guarantees the benefits, limitations or exclusions of your coverage. For a complete description of the details of your coverage, please refer to your coverage documents. Estimates may vary depending on your benefit plan and the state you live in. Claims will be processed when received according to your plan provisions. 
• You may be responsible for the cost of procedures or services not covered by your plan. 
• Use of this website in no way increases or decreases the benefits available under a dental benefit plan. If there is any conflict or discrepancy between the Content on this website and your coverage documents, your coverage documents will control. 
• Pre-authorizations or referrals are required for certain benefit plans and certain dental care providers. Refer to your benefit plan to determine whether these requirements apply to you. 
• Preventive services are included in this tool. Preventive care coverage varies by plan and by demographic considerations such as age. Refer to your benefit plan to determine whether preventive services are covered for you. 

General information regarding cost estimates

• Do not avoid getting dental care based on the cost information provided on this website.
• This website shows estimates of certain dental care costs.
• The version of the Cost Estimator that is available publicly (does not require sign-in credentials) uses aggregated historical cost data for the procedure in question.  The secure version (available only after you sign in) uses procedure costs or cost ranges as reflected in provider fee schedules and aggregated historical cost data.
• The cost estimates provided may be different from your actual costs for several reasons, including but not limited to, your unique dental circumstances and the decisions made by you and your dental professionals as to what services you will receive, deviations between the anticipated scope of services and the services actually provided, and the characteristics of your particular plan.

More information regarding how cost estimates are calculated

Cost estimates for services provided by out-of-network dentists (available in the out-of-network estimator) are based upon submitted claims data for out-of-network providers. The data is based on actual, non-discounted charges that providers have billed.

Cost estimates are specific to geographic areas, as defined by the first three digits of a ZIP code (e.g., the geo ZIP for 12345 is 123).

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How often should I see my dentist?

Dental Care Costs With and Without Insurance

Dental costs, dental insurance, dental savings plans, share this article.

Your oral health is an integral part of your overall well being. It affects your senses (taste and smell), your self-esteem, and your general health.

Poor oral health can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Weakened immune system

It is important to see your dentist twice a year and establish a good oral care routine. Unfortunately, some dental treatments can be quite expensive. 

Our goal is to educate our readers on the average costs of dental procedures and ways to save money. This often includes purchasing dental insurance or a dental savings plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does dental insurance cover, is it worth paying for dental insurance, what do you do if you can't afford a dentist.

• Low-cost dental clinics
• Nonprofit and free dental clinics
• Public dental clinics
• Dental schools
• Donated Dental Services (DDS)
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Clinical trials

Is a dental savings plan the same as insurance?

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How Much Does a Dental Visit Cost?

A dental visit is recommended at least every six months, and the cost of a visit will depend on the dentist office, if insurance is involved and if more than a routine cleaning is needed.

How much does a dental visit cost?

The price of a dentist visit  only , without any procedures, can cost $50 to $80 without dental insurance , but if you were to need treatment of some sort, then the costs will increase depending on what needs to be performed.  In some cases, if you were a repeat customer, then a consultation may be free if you were looking to have a certain procedure performed.

Refer our table below to see the average treatment could cost at your local dentist office.  These costs are an average for both adult and pediatric dentists.

According to AuthorityDental.org, a basic dental exam can cost $50 to $200 ; however, be prepared to spend more if it were your first visit due to the cleaning and/or x-rays.  If you needed an exam due to a problem then other treatments may be necessary, increasing the costs.

Dental visit overview

Your first visit to the dentist will involve a full history examination, examination of the mouth, followed by a thorough cleaning and x-rays.  The thorough cleaning, almost always done via a hygienist, will include scraping along the gumline, removing built-up plaque, polishing your teeth and flossing.  After, the dentist will be able to examine your teeth and gums, looking for any signs of disease and/or related problems.  If any problems appear to be potentially serious, then he or she will recommend a treatment option.

How can I save money?

Instead of paying upwards of $50 per month for dental insurance, consider low-cost dental discount plans.  A majority of these plans, for example, can be found on comparison sites such as DentalPlans.com and can save you more than 50 percent on your procedure.

If you are going to a new dentist, try your best to find one that is offering special offers.  This is a great way to potentially take advantage of a low-cost exam.

Ask for a group discount.  If you are going to bring in a family, see if they can offer any sort of discount.

Many dentists offer discounts to patients who meet certain income requirements or you can check with the local state health department to see if they can point you in the right direction.  If on Medicaid, children, in all states, are covered via the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.  The benefits for adults will vary from state to state.

Check out deal websites such as Groupon.com to find low-cost dental options in your area.

Dental schools are a great source to save up to 70 percent off of a procedure.  While it may seem risky, the students will always be supervised by a certified dentist.  If you’re thinking about going this route, however, be sure to call the dental school ahead of time as many schools have a rather long waiting list.

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I paid $168 for the dentist to tell me I had a scratch on my gums and it was not infected.

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This Is How Much a Dental Visit Will Cost You (With or Without Insurance)

Far too many Americans are putting off their dental care. Did you know that more than half of Americans forgo dental care because they cannot afford it?

However, delaying dental care can result in more serious health issues. In the end, the costs to replace or save teeth could exceed preventative dental care.

You may be wondering how much does a dentist visit cost? Read on to learn more about dental costs. Explore whether dental insurance is worth it.

How Much Does a Dentist Visit Cost?

The answer to this question varies depending on the dental services provided. A basic check dental check-up consists of cleaning and evaluation.

In addition, the dentist may request a number of x-rays to be conducted. Without insurance, these services are likely to cost just short of $300.

However, this may be just the start of your dental visit costs. The dentist may discover an issue during the evaluation. Perhaps a cavity is identified through the X-rays.

Your dental costs are about to increase based on the severity of the problem. Dental procedures like crowns or root canals have the potential to add thousands to your bill.

The key takeaway is that preventative dental care reduces long-term costs. By keeping the teeth clean and identifying potential issues early on, you will avoid more expensive dental work.

Is Dental Insurance Worth It?

This is another question that many people grapple with. Families are hesitant to add another monthly bill in the form of an insurance premium.

However, dental bills tend to add up, especially with a large family. If you have a family of four, getting an annual check-up for each person could cost north of $1,200.

Experts in the dental community recommend getting a check-up twice per year. If this advice is followed, dental checkup costs for your family are now $2,400. This figure does not even consider the potential for a dental repair or emergency.

The average dental insurance plan covers 100% of a dental check-up. You are likely to find a dental insurance plan in which the annual premiums are less than your family’s check-up costs. There is more info here on affordable dental insurance options for you to research.

Another benefit of holding dental insurance is that you can reduce stress levels in the event of an emergency. Far too many people deal with tooth pain because they fear the cost of repairing it.

Others become upset or stressed if they chip a tooth. With dental insurance, you can rest assured that it will pay a significant percentage of the bill. In addition, dental insurance companies negotiate lower prices for specific procedures.

Wrapping Up the Dental Insurance Debate

It is better for your dental health and wallet to carry insurance. You are far more likely to receive the proper care if you have insurance. Preventative care is entirely covered and dental procedures cost a fraction of what they normally do.

If you enjoyed this article about how much does a dentist visit cost, check out our blog for more great content.

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Table of contents, how much does a dental exam cost without insurance, dental exams are recommended twice a year, but that’s a lot to ask when you don’t have insurance. learn how to find affordable care without it..

Last updated on

July 19, 2023

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Dental exams are one of the few tests that don’t require you to study beforehand, but they come with their own set of stressors. Mainly, it can be scary to think about the price tag you’ll need to pay at the end of your visit.

You’re supposed to get a dental check-up twice yearly to maintain good oral health, but it’s a lot easier said than done when you’re stuck paying dental costs out of pocket. The good news is that there are low-cost alternatives to help you access care, even without insurance.

Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of dental exams without insurance, as well as how you can get care without breaking the bank.

What Is a Dental Exam?

A dental exam is an examination of your oral health by a medical professional. Ideally, this visit happens bi-yearly to treat cavities, gum disease, or underlying problems while also preventing future problems later on.

While dental exams can differ depending on where you go, there are a few aspects that are usually the same, no matter what.

Dental Exam

First, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums to see if there are any underlying problems. They check for cavities, gingivitis, signs of oral cancer, wisdom teeth growth, and more. They’ll use a tiny mirror to see all sides of your teeth, and they’ll check to see the integrity and structure of your teeth.

At this point, they may take x-rays to detect abnormalities that are invisible to the naked eye. They’re usually not required at every exam, but you’ll likely get them done about once yearly.

Dental Cleaning

Next, your dentist will clean and polish your teeth. They’ll start by using metal instruments to scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth and gum line. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease when left untreated. 

After that, a dentist will polish your teeth with a mechanical toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. The gritty toothpaste scrubs away imperfections on the outside of a tooth to make your tooth look sparkly, but this gritty toothpaste can be abrasive if used too often. This is why it’s only recommended once every six months.

Your dental hygienist will then floss your teeth professionally. While flossing should be a part of routine cleaning every day, your dental professional can really focus on ensuring they get every single morsel in between your teeth. Plus, this also removes any leftover gritty toothpaste stuck at the gum line.

Benefits of a Dental Exam

Even people with dental insurance opt to skip out on their bi-yearly dental check-ups. However, this hour of your day can help prevent a lifetime of problems.

Dental exams can check for cavities and save you money in the long run by preventing much more complex problems, like tooth extraction, root canals, fillings, and more. It also makes your teeth look better than ever, thanks to the polishing from the gritty toothpaste.

Not to mention, a dental exam can help educate you on the best practices for maintaining your oral hygiene outside the dentist’s office as well. Dentists can help you learn the best ways to brush and floss your teeth to ensure a happy smile for longer.

A dental exam is a great way to learn what kinds of dental work you may need in the future. Preventative care can help you identify when you’ll need things like dental crowns, tooth removals, and even dentures in the future. These procedures can get pricey without insurance, so it’s important to be aware of when you’ll need them.

Cost of a Dental Exam

Dental exams are part of preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting an oral health problem like cavities or gingivitis. For that reason, the cost of dental exams is usually covered by most dental insurance plans.

However, over 33% of the American population is without dental coverage , leaving them forced to pay out of pocket for necessary dental care. Some health insurance plans don’t even include dental benefits.

If you need to pay out of pocket, the average cost can reach upwards of $200 per exam. And if you need to get x-rays or additional treatments, it can cost even more.

Dental exams are an important part of your overall wellness. You don’t need to let the price of care be a barrier to it.

Here are some ways to find affordable dental exams in your area:

Affordable Dental Exams

Don’t break the bank just to get a routine cleaning. There are plenty of ways to save money (and stress) on your next dental exam.

At Flossy , we offer a pay-as-you-go service that could help save you up to 50% on dental procedures like routine cleanings, fillings, root canals, implants , and more. No annual premiums, or membership dues to blindside you after everything is said and done.

All you’ll do is create an account and book your appointment online or over the phone. There’s no waiting period, so you can sign up today and start getting access to your next dental treatment right away.

Despite the fact that we can save you up to 50%, our dentists are still top quality. They’re vetted against a set of rigorous criteria to ensure high-quality care. From patient reviews to accreditation from top dental schools, we make sure that inexpensive prices are backed by amazing care.

Book your appointment today and give yourself a reason to smile brighter than ever before.

Dental Savings Plans

If you’re struggling to pay for dental care, you can talk to your dentist about the flexible payment options that they might offer. Savings plans are a common example that can save you money without needing to worry about the excess cost of insurance.

With a savings plan, you’ll get access to dentistry services at a lower cost by paying a small monthly fee. You can only go to the dentist where you’re paying for the savings plan, and the discount will not be as large as what insurance will cover, but may still save you money on services like routine deep cleanings.

Dental Schools

All of those talented dental providers out there had to start somewhere, and dental schools are the place to be. Dental students need to practice their specialty on real subjects, and you can gain access to care by going through a dental school for an insanely low cost.

Since the students cannot be compensated for their time, you usually only need to pay for the cost of materials. Since all sessions are supervised by a medical professional, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting quality dental care.

Not only are teeth cleanings from dental schools inexpensive, but you also are helping the newest generations of dental healthcare professionals become even better than before.

Public Dental Clinics

Public dental clinics are likely available in your area. These allow individuals with low income to schedule dental visits for routine care at little to no cost. Some public dental clinics even allow you to get emergency dental care when necessary.

Most of these dental offices operate on a sliding scale, meaning you pay for what you can afford. This makes them a great option for individuals who qualify based on income.

In Conclusion

Dental exams are a bi-yearly way to prevent dental problems from occurring while also treating existing ones. They are one of the most important and easy steps you can take to amplify your overall wellness.

The problem is that dental exams can run a hefty price tag if you don’t have insurance. At up to $200 per exam, that runs you upwards of $400 a year on cleaning alone. But you don’t need to let the price stop you from the care you need.

Flossy is a pay-as-you-go dental service that gives you access to common dental treatments at up to 50% the out of pocket cost. From cleanings to root canals, from teeth whitening to veneers, we’ve got you covered even when insurance doesn’t.

Find a dentist in your area today and get started toward a healthier smile.

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Top 7 Best Dental Insurance Providers and Plans in 2024

with our comparison partner, dentalinsurance.com

Key Takeaways:

• Plans from dental insurance companies are similar to health insurance, though premiums and deductibles are much lower. Monthly premiums are usually less than $50, while annual deductibles average $50 to $100.
• Dental insurance plans typically use a 100-80-50 cost-sharing model, paying 100% of the cost of preventative and diagnostic services, 80% of basic dental services such as fillings and 50% for major procedures and surgeries.
• After a deep analysis, we found that UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana and Renaissance are currently the top five dental insurance providers in the United States.
• This roundup of dental insurance plans is based on an examination of monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, benefits and services covered, waiting periods and other limitations, and the size and geographical scope of provider networks available from dental insurance companies.

7 Best Dental Insurance Providers

1. delta dental.

*Starting rates; exact rates vary by location, age and other factors.

As the largest dental insurer in the United States, Delta Dental and its 39 independent dental insurance companies offer comprehensive dental coverage in all states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. The firm’s network includes over 150,000 participating dentists nationwide, serving more than 80 million customers.

Delta Dental offers HMO and PPO plans as well as managed fee-for-service and discount options.

• Extensive network of more than 150,000 providers
• Discount plans available: Customers can choose from participating dentists who offer discounted fees
• 4/5 stars based on 495 ratings in the past year on  ConsumerAffairs
• A (excellent) financial strength rating  from AM Best
• Low maximum benefits, with many plans capping at $1,000
• Limited coverage and cost-sharing for orthodontic care

Delta Dental Example Pricing and Plans

Here’s a sampling of the dental insurance plans available for a 40-year-old person living in Raleigh, North Carolina:

2. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

The Anthem insurance company covers 42 million people who use its insurance coverage policies in 14 states, making it a significant insurance provider in the U.S. There are a number of dental insurance plans to choose from and members have access to valuable resources and digital tools that can be very helpful.

A big part of what makes the Anthem company different from other insurance companies is its size. The company is part of the larger Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and offers one of the largest networks of dental providers in the country. There are also some downsides with insurance from Anthem, like non-customizable plans and limited availability in certain parts of the country.

• A great option for individuals needing standard insurance plans and coverage
• Can bundle with health and vision policies
• Part of the immense line of Blue Cross Blue Shield companies

  Cons:

• Limited availability in only 14 states
• Not suitable for personalized coverage or small companies
• Millions of members affected by a data breach hack in 2015

Anthem Dental Example Pricing and Plans

Here are the Anthem dental insurance options for a 47-year-old, non-smoking male living in Atlanta, Georgia:

3. Humana Dental

With around 20 million members and a  market share hovering 8% , Kentucky-based Humana Inc. is a rising star in the American health insurance market. It provides a wide range of dental policies and a network of 260,000 dentists across the United States. Humana offers PPO, DHMO, discount and value plans for every budget.

• Large network spanning 260,000 dentists
• Offers a wide range of options, including plans for veterans
• Some plans offer an annual allowance for teeth whitening services (in office)
• AM Best  gives Humana’s dental subsidiaries a financial strength rating of A- (excellent)
• Low maximum benefits
• Limited coverage for major services
• Not all plans and benefits are available in every state

Renaissance Dental Example Pricing and Plans

Here’s a sampling of dental insurance plans available for a 50-year-old person living in Colorado:

4. Renaissance Dental

Indiana’s Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America covers more than 13 million customers nationwide. Its nationwide network offers access to 300,000 dental providers.

Renaissance Dental insurance offers a decent selection of dental insurance plans, as well as a Healthy Savings Card serving over 175,000 participating locations.

The company boasts high-quality customer service, answering 99% of calls on first contact last year.

• No waiting periods for preventative and diagnostic services
• Some plans don’t have a network; customers can choose any provider they want
• Large network with access to over 300,000 dental providers
• Offers coverage for implants and crowns
• A (excellent) financial strength rating from  AM Best
• 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 17 reviews on  ConsumersAdvocate.org

Cons: 

• Low annual benefit maximums at $1,000

Here are Renaissance’s dental insurance plan offerings for a 50-year-old person living in Los Angeles, California:

5. MetLife Dental

The MetLife dental insurance network includes thousands of dentists, so you can search by ZIP Code, specialties and even languages to find the right one. Most cleanings and exams are covered 100% for in-network providers. While Metlife gives you the flexibility to see both in-network and out-of-network providers, you will enjoy the biggest savings by staying in the network. As a member of MetLife, you may receive lower fees from MetLife’s in-network partnerships. These negotiated fees are usually 30% to 45% lower than the average and give you lower out-of-pocket costs for dental care.

MetLife is a good choice for businesses that want to give their employees extra benefits and coverage. Unfortunately, MetLife doesn’t have as many options for people who buy insurance on their own, making it more challenging to find the right individual plan and price. Numerous dental insurance providers offer more coverage options to people who independently buy their policies.

• Offers various types of dental insurance plans, including employer-provided, veterans, federal and individual
• Choose in-network or out-of-network oral care providers
• Fixed fees for different service treatments and products to mitigate confusion about prices
• 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 56 reviews on ConsumersAdvocate.org
• Fewer individual dental plans than group plans
• Pricing information isn’t fully accessible online
• Customer service web portal is more tailored to businesses and employees rather than individual members

Metlife Dental Example Pricing and Plans

Here are the individual dental insurance coverage plans offered through the MetLife TakeAlong Dental plan for a 42-year-old in California:

6. UnitedHealthcare

Minnesota-headquartered UnitedHealthcare is one of the United State’s top three insurance providers. Its UnitedHealthOne provider network offers access to participating dentists across the nation.

UnitedHealthcare dental plans cover preventive care often with no deductible or waiting periods. There’s no maximum age limit on the company’s dental insurance plans.

• Easy to get quotes for dental insurance plans on the company’s website
• Extensive provider network through UnitedHealthOne
• Preventative care often covered with no deductible or waiting period
• 4/5 stars on  ConsumerAffairs  based on 373 ratings submitted in the last year
• No coverage for major services on dental insurance plans with low monthly premiums
• Limited coverage options for major procedures and orthodontic care
• Some dental insurance plans only kick in to cover major services after the first year a customer purchases a plan
• Low annual maximums

UnitedHealthcare Dental Example Pricing and Plans

Here’s a sampling of the plans available for a 30-year-old woman living in Dallas, Texas:

7. Cigna Dental

Cigna, one of the top medical insurance providers in the United States, serves more than 17 million dental customers. The Connecticut-based firm offers dental plans starting at $19 per month on average, and its nationwide provider network spans 93,000 dentists across 297,000 locations.

Plans have standard waiting periods of six months for basic services and 12 months for major and orthodontic services. Cigna’s top dental insurance policy, Cigna Dental 1500, offers comprehensive dental insurance for individuals as the only plan providing dental insurance for braces and other orthodontia (though a 12-month waiting period applies).

• No primary dentist required
• No referrals needed for specialist visits
• Network includes a selection of over 93,000 dentists
• 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 52 customer reviews on  ConsumersAdvocate.org
• There are 12-month waiting periods for restorative and orthodontia services and may vary by state
• Limited amount of plan options compared to other dental insurance companies

Cigna Example Pricing and Plans

Here are three plans available from Cigna. Prices are based on Cigna’s national average rates for each plan.

How Does Dental Insurance Work?

Dental insurance is modeled after standard health insurance, with a few notable differences. Prices for dental insurance plans are much lower — a monthly premium from dental insurance companies typically costs less than $50 and the annual deductible usually ranges between $50 and $100.

Rather than using annual out-of-pocket maximums, dental policies typically place a cap on the coverage you receive for the year. The average maximum for dental insurance plans ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, but the National Association of Dental Plans estimates  that only 5% of Americans actually exceed their in-network maximum for the year.

Dental insurance plans use a 100-80-50 cost-sharing model, requiring patients to pay a copayment or coinsurance for services the plan doesn’t cover. The best dental insurance plans usually cover the following:

• 100% for preventative care services , such as biannual checkups and cleanings, X-ray scans and diagnostic tests
• 80% for basic procedures , such as fillings, extractions and root canals
• 50% for major procedures , such as crowns, bridges, dentures and implants

Other services that are more cosmetic or elective in nature, such as teeth whitening or orthodontic care, typically aren’t covered by dental insurance plans, leaving an out-of-pocket expense for those who want those services.

Types of Dental Insurance

There are several types of dental insurance, but here are the most common ones:

• Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) : This type of insurance works with a network of dentists who agree to provide services at a certain cost for the insurance provider. There’s value to having these discounts when using contracted dentists, but with these dental insurance plans you also have an option to choose out-of-network dentists with reduced coverage.
• Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) : A network of dentists are paid a fee each month for the patient’s care. In exchange, they provide services at a reduced cost for the patient. You typically have to stay in network under an HMO.
• Dental Point of Service (DPOS) : Patients can see out-of-network providers, but they’ll save money by staying within the insurer’s network.

All of the providers listed below offer DPPO and DHMO plans.

Average Costs

Prices for the best dental insurance vary depending on whether you’re purchasing an individual plan or a family plan, where you live, which dental insurance provider you choose and in some cases, any preexisting conditions that might apply.

For example, based on search results from  eHealth , monthly premiums for dental insurance plans range from $11 to $60 per month for a 27-year-old nonsmoking male in Atlanta, Georgia, with most available dental insurance for individuals priced between $25 and $50. The monthly premium for a 59-year-old male in the same area is more likely to be between $25 and $50 or above. For both individuals, the annual deductible will be on average around $50. The average yearly maximum benefit ranges between $1,000 and $3,000, in line with national averages.

Is Dental Insurance Worth It?

The American Dental Association  estimates  that in 2013, adults without dental insurance plans paid on average between $685 and $1,624 per year out of pocket for market value dental care. All age groups face more financial obstacles to dental care than any other health service, yet children face lower financial barriers to dental care than working-aged adults and seniors, as average costs tend to increase as one grows older.

The consequences of avoiding the dentist only worsen the longer you wait. Plaque buildup, cavities and late detection of oral cancer can all be prevented with regular dentist visits.

Still, cost is the primary barrier to getting dental care,  according to the ADA . This is especially evident in recent years: About 15.2% of the U.S. population who needed dental care between 2013 and 2016 did not get it due to affordability, lack of coverage for their procedures and other financial hurdles.

Fortunately, you have plenty of budget-friendly dental insurance policies to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dental insurance cost.

Dental insurance premiums typically range between $25 and $50 per month. When your dental insurance’s annual maximum is reached, you may have to pay out-of-pocket charges.

Can I bundle dental, vision and health insurance?

In most circumstances, it is unlikely. Most health insurance policies do not provide dental or vision insurance unless otherwise noted. Unlike health insurance, there is no particular enrollment time for dental and vision insurance. There are some providers, like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, that allow you to bundle dental, vision and health insurance.

Can you buy stand-alone dental insurance?

Yes, you can purchase dental coverage as a separate, stand-alone dental plan or as part of a health plan.

Is dental insurance worth purchasing?

Yes, as it can both help you save money on dental procedures and it can be a strong incentive to keep those preventive-care appointments. If you’ve already spent money for the insurance, you’re more likely to go to the dentist. In the long run, a smaller amount spent on cleanings and X-rays can help prevent more money needed for more time-consuming and costly dental procedures.

What is the most accepted dental insurance company?

Cigna and UnitedHealthcare are two of the most accepted dental insurance companies in the country.

What is the best dental insurance with no waiting period?

Many dental insurance plans require a waiting period of months before some services are covered, leaving you with the option of postponing necessary procedures or paying the total cost out of pocket. No-wait dental insurance begins coverage on the first day. Several dental insurance companies, such as Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana and Renaissance Dental, offer dental insurance plans with no waiting period for preventative services.

• American Dental Association
• The Per-Patient Cost of Dental Care: A Look Under the Hood
• Types of Dental Plans
• Main Barriers to Getting Needed Dental Care All Relate to Affordability
• National Association of Dental Plans – Dental is Different: Facts About Dental Benefits
• PubMed – The Case for Dental Preferred Provider Organizations
• Statista – Market share of leading health insurance companies in the United States in 2020, by direct premiums written

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

Guardian Dental Insurance Review, Prices & Plans Guardian Dental Insurance Review, Prices & Plans

Physicians Mutual Dental Insurance Review Physicians Mutual Dental Insurance Review

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

Watch CBS News

Doctors take on dental duties to reach low-income and uninsured patients

By Kate Ruder

April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / KFF Health News

DENVER — Pediatrician Patricia Braun and her team saw roughly 100 children at a community health clinic on a recent Monday. They gave flu shots and treatments for illnesses like ear infections. But Braun also did something most primary care doctors don't. She peered inside mouths searching for cavities or she brushed fluoride varnish on their teeth.

"We're seeing more oral disease than the general population. There is a bigger need," Braun said of the patients she treats at Bernard F. Gipson Eastside Family Health Center, which is part of Denver Health , the largest safety-net hospital in Colorado, serving low-income, uninsured, and underinsured residents.

Braun is part of a trend across the United States to integrate oral health into medical checkups for children, pregnant women, and others who cannot afford or do not have easy access to dentists. With federal and private funding, these programs have expanded in the past 10 years, but they face socioeconomic barriers, workforce shortages, and the challenge of dealing with the needs of new immigrants.

With a five-year, $6 million federal grant, Braun and her colleagues have helped train 250 primary care providers in oral health in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona. Similar projects are wrapping up in Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, and New York, funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Beyond assessment, education, and preventive care, primary care providers refer patients to on- or off-site dentists, or work with embedded dental hygienists as part of their practice. 

"Federally qualified health centers have a long history of co-locating dental services within their systems," Braun said. "We're taking that next step where care is not just co-located, meaning, say, we're upstairs and dental is downstairs, but we're integrated so that it becomes part of the same visit for the patient."

Having doctors, nurses, and physician assistants who assess oral health, make referrals, and apply fluoride at community health centers is critical for the many children who lack access to dental care, said Tara Callaghan, director of operations for the Montana Primary Care Association, which represents 14 federally qualified health centers and five Urban Indian organizations.

"Providing these services during medical visits increases the frequency of fluoride application," Callaghan said, and "improves parents' knowledge of caring for their child's teeth." But obstacles remain.

Because of Montana's large geographic area and small population, recruiting dental professionals is difficult, Callaghan said. Fifty of the state's 56 counties are designated dental shortage areas and some counties don't have a single dentist who takes Medicaid, she added. Montana ranks near the bottom for residents having access to fluoridated water , which can prevent cavities and strengthen teeth.

Pediatric dental specialists, in particular, are scarce in rural areas, with families sometimes driving hours to neighboring counties for care, she said.

Embedding dental hygienists with medical doctors is one way to reach patients in a single medical visit.

Valerie Cuzella, a registered dental hygienist, works closely with Braun and others at Denver Health, which serves nearly half of the city's children and has embedded hygienists in five of its clinics that see children.

State regulations vary on which services hygienists can provide without supervision from a dentist. In Colorado, Cuzella can, among other things, independently perform X-rays and apply silver diamine fluoride, a tool to harden teeth and slow decay. She does all this in a cozy corner office.

Braun and Cuzella work so closely that they often finish each other's sentences. Throughout the day they text each other, taking advantage of brief lulls when Cuzella can pop into an exam room to check for gum disease or demonstrate good brushing habits. Braun herself takes similar opportunities to assess oral health during her exams, and both focus on educating parents.

Medical and dental care have traditionally been siloed. "Schools are getting better at interprofessional collaboration and education, but by and large we train separately, we practice separately," said Katy Battani, a registered dental hygienist and assistant professor at Georgetown University.

Battani is trying to bridge the divide by helping community health centers in nine states — including California, Texas, and Maryland — integrate dental care into prenatal visits for pregnant women. Pregnancy creates opportunities to improve oral health because some women gain dental coverage with Medicaid and see providers at least once a month, Battani said.

In Denver, housing instability, language barriers, lack of transportation, and the "astronomical cost" of dentistry without insurance make dental care inaccessible for many children, the migrant community, and seniors , said Sung Cho, a dentist who oversees the dental program at STRIDE Community Health Center, serving the Denver metro area.

STRIDE tries to overcome these barriers by offering interpretation services and a sliding pay scale for those without insurance. That includes people like Celinda Ochoa, 35, of Wheat Ridge, who waited at STRIDE Community Health Center while her 15-year-old son, Alexander, had his teeth cleaned. He was flagged for dental care during a past medical checkup and now he and his three siblings regularly see a dentist and hygienist at STRIDE.

One of Ochoa's children has Medicaid dental coverage, but her three others are uninsured, and they couldn't otherwise afford dental care , said Ochoa. STRIDE offers an exam, X-rays, and cleaning for $60 for the uninsured.

In the past year, Cho has seen an influx of migrants and refugees who have never seen a dentist before and need extensive care. Medical exams for refugees at STRIDE increased to 1,700 in 2023 from 1,300 in 2022, said Ryn Moravec, STRIDE's director of development. She estimates the program has seen 800 to 1,000 new immigrants in 2024.

Even with growing needs, Cho said the Medicaid "unwinding" — the process underway to reexamine post-pandemic eligibility for the government program that provides health coverage for people with low incomes and disabilities — has created financial uncertainty. He said he worries about meeting the upfront costs of new staff and of replacing aging dental equipment. 

At STRIDE's Wheat Ridge clinic, two hygienists float between dental and pediatrics as part of the medical-dental integration. Yet Cho said he needs more hygienists at other locations to keep up with demand. The pandemic created bottlenecks of need that are only now being slowly cleared, particularly because few dentists take Medicaid. If they do accept it, they often limit the number of Medicaid patients they'll take, said Moravec. Ideally, STRIDE could hire two hygienists and three dental assistants, Moravec said.

In 2022, Colorado enacted a law to alleviate workforce shortages by allowing dental therapists — midlevel providers who do preventive and restorative care — to practice. But Colorado does not have any schools to train or accredit them. 

Before age 3, children are scheduled to see a pediatrician for 12 well visits, a metric that medical and dental integration capitalizes on , particularly for at-risk children. As part of Braun's program in the Rocky Mountain region, providers have applied more than 17,000 fluoride varnishes and increased the percentage of children 3 and younger who received preventive oral health care to 78% from 33% in its first 2½ years.

Callaghan, at the Montana Primary Care Association, witnesses that on the ground at community health centers in Montana. "It's about leveraging the fact that kids see their medical provider for a well-child visit much more often and before they see their dental provider — if they have one."

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

• Health Care

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Medicare announces lower prices on 10 common, high-cost drugs

The Biden administration said Thursday that it had reached an agreement with drugmakers to lower prices on the 10 costliest prescription drugs under Medicare.

It's part of the federal government's first-ever drug pricing negotiations, a cost reduction it claims could help ease the financial burden on the estimated 1 in 7 older adults in the U.S. struggling to pay for their medications.

Here are the negotiated prices for the drugs, based on a 30-day supply:

• Eliquis, a blood thinner from Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer: $231 negotiated price, down from $521 list price.
• Xarelto, a blood thinner from Johnson & Johnson: $197 negotiated price, down from $517 list price.
• Januvia, a diabetes drug from Merck: $113 negotiated price, down from $527 list price.
• Jardiance, a diabetes drug from Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly: $197 negotiated price, down from $573 list price.
• Enbrel, a rheumatoid arthritis drug from Amgen: $2,355 negotiated price, down from $7,106 list price.
• Imbruvica, a drug for blood cancers from AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson: $9,319 negotiated price, down from $14,934 list price.
• Farxiga, a drug for diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease from AstraZeneca: $178 negotiated price, down from $556 list price.
• Entresto, a heart failure drug from Novartis: $295 negotiated price, down from $628 list price.
• Stelara, a drug for psoriasis and Crohn’s disease from J&J: $4,695 negotiated price, down from $13,836 list price.
• Fiasp and NovoLog, diabetes drugs from Novo Nordisk: $119 negotiated price, down from $495 list price.

The new negotiated prices were compared to the 2023 list prices of the drugs.

It's important to note that these numbers do not represent a direct comparison between the new negotiated prices and what Medicare and enrollees would have originally paid, said Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. The list price is the full retail price of a medication and doesn't include any discounts or rebates a drug company may have offered.

Still, Dusetzina said, these are "pretty big discounts."

"I think that it shows that they're taking these negotiations very seriously and they're trying to get much lower prices," she said.

The lower prices are the result of months of heated negotiations between the federal government and drugmakers over the pricey medications.

The prices won't take effect until 2026, but the measure is a landmark for Medicare. The federal government has never been able to directly haggle with drugmakers over the prices of their prescription drugs.

“It is a historic moment,” White House domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden said on a call with reporters Wednesday night. “Millions of seniors and others on Medicare will soon see their drug costs go down on some of the most common and expensive drugs that treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, blood costs and more.”

Medicare provides health insurance coverage to more than 65 million people in the U.S.

On Wednesday's call, administration officials said the new negotiated prices are projected to save Medicare enrollees $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in the first year.

The negotiations — as mandated under the Inflation Reduction Act — began in earnest in January, when Medicare presented its opening prices to drugmakers.

The $1.5 billion is in addition to the savings from other provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, which include a $35 monthly cap on the out-of-pocket cost of insulin and an annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, officials said.

Officials said the negotiations are also expected to save Medicare $6 billion in the first year.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra described the negotiations as "intense" Wednesday.

"I had the privilege to work closely with our HHS team to oversee the negotiations," Becerra said. "It took both sides to reach a good deal."

Drugmakers fight lowered prices

The federal government will have until March 2025 to publish an explanation of how it reached the negotiated prices. If a drugmaker refused to negotiate, they faced a tax penalty, which could be lifted if the drugmaker chose to withdraw their drug from the Medicare program.

All of the drugmakers subject to negotiations have been asked for comment.

A spokesperson for Novartis called the negotiations "unconstitutional."

It "will have long-lasting and devastating consequences for patients by limiting access to medicines now and in the future," the spokespersons said in a statement.

In a statement, Steve Ubl, the president and CEO of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the drug industry's trade group, said the Biden administration is using the negotiations to "drive political headlines."

"There are no assurances patients will see lower out-of-pocket costs," he said.

The administration plans to leverage the negotiations to bolster Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign ahead of the presidential election against former President Donald Trump. Harris and President Joe Biden are scheduled to appear together Thursday to tout the savings from the program.

Wednesday’s call included Becerra, Tanden and Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Worried about unaffordable medications

A study published Wednesday in JAMA found that more than half of older adults reported being very concerned about the costs of medical care and prescription drugs ahead of the election.

Nearly 9 in 10 adults ages 65 and older say they take at least one prescription drug, according to KFF, a nonprofit group that researches health policy issues.

An analysis from the Commonwealth Fund , a nonprofit health care research institute, found that U.S. retail prices — prices pharmacists charge to patients or insurers before discounts or rebates — for the 10 selected drugs were three to eight times higher compared with prices in other countries of similar size and wealth.

Together, the 10 selected drugs accounted for more than $50 billion of Medicare Part D spending from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, or 20%, according to the CMS.

Medicare recipients spent $3.4 billion out of pocket for those drugs in 2022, with average out-of-pocket spending for the most expensive drugs as high as $6,497 per enrollee, according to the agency.

The 10 negotiated drugs are just the start: In 2027, negotiated prices will go into effect for 15 more drugs, followed by another 15 drugs in 2028 and 20 more in each subsequent year. It's possible that seniors could save even more in the next few years.

The outcome could be jeopardized if the drugmakers succeed in their lawsuits to block the law, which have so far been unsuccessful.

"It's a big deal that they reached an agreement with all 10 drugmakers," Dusetzina wrote in an email. "No one opted to leave Medicare and Medicaid in protest over their negotiated prices. That’s a success!"

The negotiations are limited to drugs under Medicare Part D, which covers medications used at home.

In the coming years, however, drugs under Medicare Part B, which are administered in medical facilities — such as chemotherapy drugs — will also be subject to negotiation.

Berkeley Lovelace Jr. is a health and medical reporter for NBC News. He covers the Food and Drug Administration, with a special focus on Covid vaccines, prescription drug pricing and health care. He previously covered the biotech and pharmaceutical industry with CNBC.

Money blog: New timeline for €7 charge to visit Europe

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include a look at Premier League jersey prices and a timeline for new visa charges in Europe. Let us know which discontinued sweet or treat you'd like to see revived in the comments box.

Tuesday 20 August 2024 18:29, UK

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Ask a question or make a comment

The first £1 coins featuring King Charles have entered circulation, with collectors encouraged to look out for the historic addition to the nation's change.

Nearly three million of the new designs will be making their way into pockets and tills across the country this week, via Post Offices and banks throughout the UK.

The £1 coin has a pair of British bees on the "tails" side, in honour of the King's passion for conservation and the natural world, and Charles' official coin effigy on the obverse, or "heads".

The other designs, which will be introduced in line with demand, are the 1p showing a hazel dormouse, the 2p red squirrel, the 5p oak tree leaf, 10p capercaillie grouse, 20p puffin, and the £2 with the national flowers - rose, daffodil, thistle and shamrock.

Giving workers the "right to switch off" is key to productivity and could boost economic growth, Downing Street has said.

Labour has promised to give employees the right to ignore work-related calls and emails out of hours, so homes do not become "24/7 offices".

Ministers are looking at models in other countries where there is already a right to disconnect, such as Ireland and Belgium.

The prime minister's spokesperson said the plan was about making sure "we're not inadvertently blurring the lines between work and home life".

The plans were not a "one size fits all" and would recognise companies vary and people have different roles, she added.

The number of firms in England and Wales going bust last month rose by 16% year-on-year, according to official figures.

Commentators said the 2,191 company insolvencies showed how many businesses were still recovering from the impact of high inflation and borrowing costs, despite growing optimism about the UK's economic outlook.

The figure was 7% down on June's total, but insolvency levels remain much higher than those seen during both the pandemic and in the years following the 2008/09 financial crisis, officials said.

Rebecca Dacre, a partner at advisory firm Forvis Mazars, said the data was "a strong reminder that many businesses are still a long way off from recovery".

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

BT's share price has fallen, wiping off an estimated £1bn from the company's value. 

One share now costs £134.45, a low last seen 10 days ago.  

It comes after an internet network rival CityFibre struck a deal with broadband supplier Sky. 

This means that Sky will now use CityFibre's network to offer its services starting next year. 

It's a hit to BT as Sky customers are hosted on BT's Openreach network. Under the plan, Sky aims to connect so-called "hard-to-reach areas".

CityFibre reaches 3.8 million homes and aims to expand and reach "at least" 8 million premises in the coming years, it said.

"This partnership with Sky is a huge vote of confidence in our business and has cemented CityFibre's position as the UK's third digital infrastructure platform," said company chief executive Greg Mesch.

Formerly British Telecoms, BT is worth roughly £14.44bn, based on the number of shares issued and the share price.

The head of financial analysis at investment platform AJ Bell Danni Hewson said the CityFibre detail may not be that significant. 

"BT shares came under pressure on fears of an enhanced competitive threat for its Openreach broadband operation amid chatter Sky might start partnering with CityFibre in 2025. 

"However, CityFibre's modest scale and focus on rural areas suggest it shouldn't be a huge issue."

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UK citizens will need to pay a €7 visa-waiver charge to travel to Europe from next year after the EU revealed its timeline for the introduction of new entry requirements for some visitors.

The additional charge, which is similar to the US ESTA, is part of a series of new border checks and entry requirements the EU is bringing in.

They'll apply when entering the Schengen area, which includes 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 

The waiver will last for three years or until your passport expires.

Its official title is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), and its implementation will follow the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The latter will require people to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken on arrival to airports.

Addressing the rollout, EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said the EES will enter into operations on ­10 November while the ETIAS will follow shortly after that in 2025 - likely May.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The price of gold has soared to a record high of more than $2,522 (£1,938) per ounce today.

It comes after months of the precious metal steadily rising in value.

Many factors are thought to have played a part, but analysts believe the latest leap is largely down to the weaker US dollar and growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month.

Lower rates tend to make a country - and its currency - less attractive to investors, because they end up getting lower returns on bonds, shares and other investments.

There are also general worries about the status of the US economy, amid rumblings it could enter a recession this year or next - although some commentators have downplayed the likelihood of this.

But it is not just the US that is on the cusp of reducing the cost of borrowing.

The European Central Bank and the Bank of England both recently cut interest rates - and are expected to do so again this autumn - which may also be off-putting to some investors.

What has all this got to do with gold?

It's largely because of its perceived status as a "safe haven" investment.

Gold is seen as solid and dependable - both literally and in its value as a commodity.

It has been prized and sought after since ancient times - and its valuable status seems certain to continue long into the future.

So when things seem uncertain - and when interest rates are being seemingly cut everywhere - putting your money in gold may seem like a good bet (or so the thinking goes - of course, many would argue there is no such thing as a sure bet in the financial markets).

This "safe haven" status also helps explain why the price of gold may have been steadily rising in recent months, as fears have grown over an escalation of the wars in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine.

Tesco is hiking the price of its meal deal from Thursday.

Those using a Clubcard, which Tesco says is 80% of customers, will now pay £3.60.

This is up from £3.40, which had been the cheapest meal deal available at one of the traditional supermarkets.

Those without a Clubcard will now pay £4 - up 10p.

A Tesco spokesperson told the Money blog: "Clubcard members will pay just £3.60 for a main, snack and drink, meaning our meal deal remains great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on-the-go. 

"With millions of possible combinations across our stores, our recent improvements to ingredients and more than 20 new mains introduced this summer, the Tesco meal deal has got something for every taste."

The cost of the premium meal deal is unchanged at £5.

How does this compare?

Waitrose has the most expensive meal deal at £5 for the main, snack and drink combo. 

In July, Sainsbury increased the cost of its lunchtime meal deal by 25p from £3.50 to £3.75. 

A  Morrisons  meal deal costs £3.50, which is the same as  Co-op members - though non-members pay £4.

Asda  doesn't offer a fixed price for its meal deal. Instead, it operates a 3 for 2 system, which gives customers the cheapest item for free. 

If you read the Money blog on Friday you'll remember Gail's bakery chain came under fire for repurposing unsold pastries into croissants and selling them for almost £4 the next day.

We reported how the retailer lists the "twice baked" chocolate almond croissants as part of its "Waste Not" range, which means it is made using leftover croissants that are then "topped with almond frangipane and flaked almonds".

The scheme was criticised online, with many pointing out the £3.90 price tag is 95p more than the original croissant.

It's worth reiterating that the practice was not invented by Gail's - almond croissants were originally created by French boulangeries to reuse day-old croissants and stop them going stale.

We asked Gail's for comment and didn't hear back until late yesterday - this is what they said...

"We created our Waste Not range at Gail's to make good food go further. 

"Our almond croissants and chocolate and almond croissants are strong favourites in our bakeries. The croissants are soaked in demerara syrup and topped with our house-made frangipane spread, alongside crunchy almonds.

"The day-old croissants are sturdier than fresh ones, making them the perfect bake to be used. 

"We are big supporters of improving food systems, working with companies such as Too Good To Go and Neighbourly to reduce our impact on food waste and uplift communities. 

"Any bakes leftover at the end of the day are shared with charitable organisations in our neighbourhoods. Through our partnership with Neighbourly, we have donated the equivalent of 81,000 meals, reaching 239 good causes."

It comes as locals in a trendy London neighbourhood signed a petition against a Gail's bakery setting up shop in their area.

After (unconfirmed) rumours began circulating that the chain was looking to open a site in Walthamstow village, more than 600 have signed a petition opposing the plans.

The petition says the village "faces a threat to its uniqueness" should Gail's move into the area.

Read more...

Basically, Section 75 is a way to get your money back if a retailer hasn't provided the goods or services you paid for - so long as you used a credit card or point of sale loan.

The price of the purchase must be   between   £100.01 and £30,000, but you only have to spend one penny of it using a credit card for your rights to kick in.

Section 75 is enshrined in law - the Consumer Credit Act 1974 - and allows you to raise a claim with your bank for a breach of contract or misrepresentation by the retailer.

The protection was put in place to make sure customers are not forced to pay off debt for faulty goods and services - or those that never arrive - by making the lender just as liable as the retailer.

When does Section 75 apply?

• Goods or services were not as described
• They were poor quality, defective, or not fit for purpose
• An item never arrived - including if the seller went bust
• A service wasn't carried out with reasonable care

How does it work?

You should contact your bank, who will investigate how you made your purchase and who was involved.

There needs to be a clear agreement between the customer, the supplier and your bank.

"They will ask for more details – explain how your consumer rights have been breached, you have exhausted all options with the retailer and cannot resolve your dispute," consumer champion Scott Dixon, from  the Complaints Resolver , told the Money blog.

"You need to push hard on S75 claims, as claims are often rejected on the first attempt."

It is useful to have supporting information to hand, like proof of payment, contracts, terms and conditions, screenshots of product descriptions, correspondence, photo evidence or - in some cases - independent assessments.

Scott added: "If you reach a stalemate with the credit card provider or finance company, ask for a deadlock letter setting out their final position so you can submit a formal complaint (with the final response/deadlock letter) to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). 

"They do not like cases being referred to the FOS as it costs them money."

When doesn't Section 75 apply?

• You paid with a debit card, charge card, cash, credit card cheque, or bank transfer;
• You paid with your PayPal balance (but you are protected if you used PayPal Credit);
• The credit was given under an overdraft or general-purpose bank loan;
• You purchased multiple items that only cost between £100.01 and £30,000 when added together;
• You bought the item from a third-party seller, like Amazon Marketplace or a travel agent;
• You used a buy now, pay later service or a hire purchase.

And read more from our Basically series here...

Rising optimism about the prospects of a ceasefire in the war in Gaza has sent the price of oil - and shares in energy giants – tumbling.

The cost of a barrel of benchmark Brent Crude has dropped to just over $76 (£58), the lowest price since the beginning of the month.

Shares in Shell and BP have also both slipped by around 2% in early trading.

Hopes of cooling tensions in the Middle East have helped ease fears of risks to supplies in the region.

Other factors said to be having an impact on oil prices include an increase in production at Libya's Sharara oilfield and concerns over China's slowing economy, including slower industrial output.

Another big faller this morning is BT Group. Its shares are down more than 5% after it was announced that Sky will launch full fibre broadband services next year on the network of BT's rival Cityfibre.

The falls have contributed to the FTSE 100 dipping by more than 0.5% on Tuesday, with the FTSE 250 also down 0.13%.

Gainers include easyJet Plc, which is up more than 1.2% amid optimism over the tourism industry this summer.

Similarly, Intercontinental Hotels Group is up by a similar level, while British Airways owner IAG is up nearly 0.8%.

Meanwhile, on the currency markets, this morning £1 buys $1.30 US or €1.17.

Pensioners are being urged to check if they are eligible for the winter fuel allowance after universal payments were scrapped by new Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month.

Previously, the money was available to everyone above state pension age, but now it will be limited to people over state pension age who are receiving pension credit or other means-tested support.

It means the number of people entitled to the money will drop from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million.

The payment is £200 for households where the recipients are all under 80, and £300 where they are over 80.

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving pension credit, there are up to an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim, the Department for Work and Pensions says.

The government's awareness drive will help identify households not claiming the benefit, and encourage pensioners to apply by 21 December - the last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

It will focus on "myths" that may stop people applying, such as how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving pension credit.

More information on applying for pension credit can be found on the  government's How to Claim page .

Yesterday we brought you the unwelcome news that winter energy bills are projected to rise by 9%, according to the latest forecast from Cornwall Insight.

Its newest prediction says the price cap from October to December will go up to £1,714 a year for the average user - a £146 hike from current levels.

We'll find out for sure on Friday.

Comparison service Uswitch says the forecast "compounds the worry" about rising bills for residents across the country "just as we reach the season to switch the heating back on".

"The price cap is expected to rise again in January, but bill payers can take action now to lock in certainty on how much they pay," says Uswitch director of regulation Richard Neudegg. 

It is worth pointing out that it's in Uswitch's favour for people to move - but there are definitely savings to be made based on current forecasts.

Here are the top 10 fixed energy-only tariffs that could help you beat the price rise as temperatures drop, according to Uswitch:

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