Why PDM is a Low-Cost Dentist Philadelphia Trusts

Why Philadelphia Needs Low-Cost Dental Care

A dentist, wearing a mask, watches her patient in a chair look at his teeth in a mirror after dental treatment.Looking for a low-cost dentist in Philadelphia?

The need for affordable dental care in and near Pennsylvania’s largest city is great. But every day at Penn Dental Medicine (PDM), we’re making high-quality dental care more accessible and affordable.

Why Philadelphia Needs Low-Cost Dental Care

If you need to find an affordable dentist in Philadelphia, PA, know you’re not alone. Access to low-cost dental care is a pressing need for millions of people, not only in the city and Southeast Pennsylvania but also across the United States, especially those who are Medicare beneficiaries.

An estimated 76.5 million adults in the U.S. don’t have dental insurance. Those most likely to lack dental coverage are age 60 or older. And one-fourth of Medicare beneficiaries with dental coverage who responded to a CareQuest Institute for Oral Health survey said that their coverage is insufficient.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes children’s dental care as an essential, mandatory health benefit. But it doesn’t treat adult dental care the same way. Medicaid expansion under the ACA did result in some positive “spillover effects … on dental care coverage and utilization.” However, “most of the increases [in dental care] were small and not statistically significant.”

Cost remains “the most significant barrier” to dental services adult Medicaid enrollees in Pennsylvania face, according to the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute. Regarding Philadelphia specifically, the 2022 Southeastern PA Regional Community Health Needs Assessment (rCHNA) identified “limited access to dental care” continues to be a major health concern (page 237).

How You Can Get Affordable Dental Services

 An dentist pulls down a mask to smile for a picture with a young boy in a dental chair after teeth cleaning.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suggests a variety of ways to get low-cost and sometimes free dental care.

  • Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) are all federally funded programs that cover some dental services for individuals who qualify.
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers provide primary and preventive dental health care in underserved areas.
  • Free or low-cost dental clinics in your area may offer the care you need. The Free Clinic Association of Pennsylvania offers an easy way to search for clinics near you.

HHS also says dental schools that take patients “can be a good source of quality, reduced-cost dental treatment.” Dental schools can charge less than private practices because they have an educational mission. Every patient a student dentist treats is making a valuable contribution to their dentist’s education, and the low cost of treatment reflects that contribution.

PDM Provides Comprehensive Care at Substantial Savings

As a teaching clinic of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Penn Dental Medicine is a leading low-cost dentist in Philadelphia.

Located at 40th Street and Locust Street, PDM is easy to access by car, bus, trolley, subway, or train. Some of our patients come from the Philadelphia suburbs, too, as well as from New Jersey.

A dentist prepares to use her mirror and pick to inspect the teeth of a man sitting in a dental chair.

At PDM, skilled and dedicated third- and fourth-year dental students practice under the close supervision of experienced faculty, many of whom consistently rank among the region’s top dentists.

Whatever your oral health needs may be, PDM is equipped and able to treat them using the latest, evidence-based techniques; the most advanced materials; and respectful and compassionate, patient-centered techniques. From routine checkups, cleanings, and fillings to such complex issues as dental implants or oral cancer treatments, PDM brings the full range of specialties under one roof.

And we provide them at significant savings to you. On average, PDM patients pay 50%-70% less than they would pay at private practices.

We accept most dental insurance plans, including all Medicaid plans offered to residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania. But if you are among those nearly 77 million U.S. adults without dental coverage, we will work with you to establish a payment plan.

Qualified patients can finance their treatment through Care Credit. Payment options range from 6 months at no interest if paid in full, to as many as 60 months at a fixed rate.

Make PDM Your Affordable Dentist in Philadelphia

If your dental health needs attention, don’t let financial worries keep you from getting the help you need.

Identifying and treating oral health problems sooner rather than later will save you money in the long run. You’ll be far less likely to need more expensive, emergency treatment later on. Plus, you’ll greatly increase your chances of positive outcomes.

PDM is proud to be a low-cost dentist Philadelphia trusts. If you are in the Greater Philadelphia region and need affordable dental care, schedule an appointment online today, or call us at 215-898-8965.

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We look forward to serving you and your family.