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Did you know that according to a report published by the American Dental Association (ADA), approximately 59% of American adults avoid going to the dentist due to cost?
If you’re struggling to find an affordable dentist, studies confirm that you’re not the only one. On average, prices have risen by nearly twice the rate of inflation in recent years. The number of Americans with access to dental insurance has also dropped—only about 45% of Americans report that they’re covered.
At Penn Dental Medicine, not only are we committed to providing patients with quality dental care, but we’re also dedicated to helping you find affordable dental services.
How to Find Affordable Dental Care (Without Compromising Quality)
While delaying a visit to the dentist out of financial fear is understandable for those who may not have dental or health insurance, or are on a restricted budget, doing so can lead to worsening dental and overall health problems.
According to the ADA, an estimated 26.5% of adults and 18.2% of children have untreated dental caries (tooth decay), and 47.2% of adults over age 30 have untreated gum disease. When tooth decay and gum disease are not treated it can lead to missing teeth and more problematic dental issues.
What do you do then, when you need dental treatment, but do not want to compromise your dental health?
You turn to the aid of Penn Dental Medicine!
Because PDM operates in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, we can offer affordable dental services without compromising quality or patient-centered care.
In fact, all our student dentists are mentored and supervised by board-certified, highly-practiced, research-driven dental faculty. This means that in addition to receiving quality comprehensive dental care, dental patients experience the benefits from state-of-the-art technology and some of the latest approaches in dentistry.
Tips on How to Save on Quality Dental Care
First and foremost, as part of Penn Dental Medicine’s commitment to affordable dental care, we ensure that our patients:
- Know costs in advance, receiving an estimate of your proposed treatment and a detailed explanation of your bill.
- Have access to a financial counselor and full information on the availability of known financial resources.
All pricing information is transparent and accessible to you!
Second, we offer several additional ways to save on dental services:
- A discount of $25 off a first dental visit.
- A student discount rate of 30% on routine preventative dental services and 20% savings on specialty services for all uninsured University of Pennsylvania students.
- The “Care Credit” program, a third-party option that provides 24, 36, 48, and 60-month fixed-rate installment programs, as well as the 6-month no interest if paid in full program (for qualifying patients).
Additional Ways to Save on Dental Work
Above and beyond the resources we offer dental patients at Penn Dental Medicine, and for those who may not have dental insurance, there are other ways you can save on dental work.
Take a look at additional pathways to affordable dental care:
- Participate in a Medical Study (Clinical Trial)
Often, a university conducts research on particular dental conditions and treatments in exchange for free dental care for those participating in the study. - Enroll in a Discount Dental Plan
These plans work similarly to insurance in that they may require a fee, but differ in that they cost less than paying a monthly premium for dental insurance. With a discount dental plan, you pay a yearly membership fee and receive significant discounts on dental costs (ranging between 15% and 60%). See details at Dentalplans.com. - Take Advantage of Income-Based Options
Based on your income, various clinics and programs offer low-cost or free dental care. To locate free or low-cost dental clinics check in your area, check out your state or local dental society Health Resources & Services Administration, or find a privately funded free dental clinic in your area. - Visit a Dental School
Dental schools like University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, are a great way to receive quality dental care at a reduced cost! Much like Penn Dental Medicine, other universities often have associated clinics that provide affordable care to you by student doctors overseen by experienced professors and mentors. - Shop Around
Online resources FairHealthConsumer.org and HealthcareBlueBook.com enable you to compare the cost of different dental procedures in your area. - Practice Positive Oral Health
This may sound like an oxymoron … how can you practice good oral health if you can’t afford to go to the dentist? Think about it this way—once you make the decision to visit an affordable dentist (hopefully using one of the saving options above), you can be on your way to better oral health. Continuing positive habits, like brushing regularly, flossing, and following any additional recommendations provided during your dental visit will help improve your dental health and reduce the risk of having to undergo costly restorative dental work in the future.
Next Stop: Dental Care You Can Afford
Don’t let the fear of dental prices keep you from getting the care you deserve for optimum oral health. Instead, turn to Penn Dental Medicine, where you can receive comprehensive dental care with an affordable dentist, including:
If you are in need of or interested in learning more information about the pricing associated with the services above, one of our PDM financial counselors is happy to discuss payment options with you. To schedule your appointment, please give us a call at 215-898-8965.
