8 Ways To Afford Dental Work Even When You Don’t Have Insurance

More than 70 million Americans lack dental insurance, making routine checkups and necessary procedures feel out of reach. Avoiding care may seem like a way to save money, but it's actually one of the most surprising financial mistakes you can make. Skipping the dentist can result in the development of gum disease, heart issues, and even a decline in mental health — things that can add up big time later down the road.

Luckily, there are many ways to offset the costs of routine dental appointments and dental treatments, which can reduce these health risks.

If you're uninsured or underinsured and need help with your dental costs, these nine tips can help.

Accredited dental schools and hygienist programs often provide care at significantly reduced rates. Students perform procedures under licensed supervision, which means you can get safe, professional treatment at a fraction of the cost. Cleanings may cost as little as $20 to $40, while major procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or extractions, are often discounted by 50 to 70% below market rates.

The only thing you should keep in mind is that you'll likely be at the mercy of longer appointment times.

Federally qualified health centers (FQHC), also called community health centers (CHC), provide healthcare services for individuals with limited access to health care, including those who are low-income, uninsured, or underinsured.

Among the many services offered, some provide dental care on a sliding-scale fee. The amount you pay is dependent on your income and the resulting fee assessed by the specific center. Contact your local clinic to determine potential costs,

Many dentists accept payments from dental-specific financing companies such as CareCredit, LendingClub Patient Solutions, and similar programs.

They often offer enrollees 0% interest for a promotional period ranging from six to 24 months, specifically for medical and dental expenses. Applications can be processed over the phone, the internet, or right in your dentist's office.

This option works best if you're confident you can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends; otherwise, high interest rates may apply once the term expires.

If you have the cash to pay for your procedure upfront, some dentists may be willing to offer a discount just to avoid the hefty credit card processing fees.

Some may also offer a discount to offset future collection risks. Your best chance of receiving this discount is to speak with your dentist before undergoing the procedure.

If your employer offers a flexible spending account (FSA) or you qualify for a health savings account (HSA), you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for dental expenses. This effectively reduces the cost by the amount of your tax rate. Eligible procedures include cleanings, fillings, and extractions, but typically exclude cosmetic work.

FSAs are "use-it-or-lose-it," so plan carefully. HSAs, on the other hand, allow funds to roll over year after year.

Some dental practices now offer their own financing programs, providing savings of 30% to 85% on procedures at participating dentists.

Members usually pay an annual fee to access the benefits, which, unlike dental insurance, have no waiting period before they can be used. This also opens the door for payment plans through the dentist, and you avoid third-party financing altogether.

American Dental Association spokeswoman Ruchi Sahota recommends discussing financial barriers with your dentist. She states, "If we know what the barriers are, we can potentially find solutions together." This may involve finding a less expensive treatment or exploring alternative payment options.

According to Sahota, most dentists are willing to set up payment plans. Some will even reduce your bill if you're willing to pay for your procedure upfront.

Are you a military veteran? If so, you may be qualified to receive dental care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the VA health system, many veterans receive full or partial coverage for routine and medically necessary dental care.

To find out if you qualify, visit the VA website and fill out the 10-10EZ form to check your eligibility. You may also apply for this benefit using the same website.

There's no need to skip preventative or emergency dental care due to financial constraints. By taking advantage of options such as dental schools, discount plans, or financing programs, you can effectively manage expenses and safeguard your health.

Making smart choices about your care doesn't just prevent bigger bills — it also helps you preserve resources so you can focus on ways to build wealth over time.