Tooth pain can be relentless. It keeps you up all night, makes eating a challenge, and turns even the simplest conversations into a painful experience. You know you need to see a dentist, but what if you can’t afford dental work? That’s a whole different problem.
Millions of people avoid going to the dentist simply because they can’t afford it. In 2023, dental care was the most frequently skipped form of medical treatment, with 19% of American adults forgoing care due to cost.
But just because money is tight doesn’t mean you have to suffer. If you’re wondering, how can I fix my teeth if I don’t have money, you’re in the right place.
Key Takeaways
- Dental schools offer low-cost treatments under professional supervision.
- Charitable programs and community clinics provide free or discounted dental care for those in need.
- Government assistance programs like Medicaid and CHIP help eligible individuals cover dental costs.
- Many dentists offer payment plans or discounts for upfront cash payments.
1. Find a Local Dental School
One of the best-kept secrets in affordable dental care is dental schools. These schools train future dentists, and they need patients to practice on under the supervision of experienced professionals. Because students are still learning, they offer services at a much lower cost than private dental offices.
Dental schools follow strict guidelines, and licensed professionals oversee every procedure so you’re not compromising on quality. The downside? Appointments can take longer than usual, and you might need to wait a while for an opening. But if time isn’t a major concern, this is one of the best ways to get dental work done at a fraction of the price.
To find a school near you, check with the American Dental Association or local universities that have dentistry programs.
2. Look for Charitable Dental Programs
If you’re in a tough financial situation, there are charities and nonprofit organizations like Dentistry From The Heart, the American Dental Association Foundation, America’s Dentists Care Foundation that offer free dental care. These groups organize free dental events where you can get basic procedures like cleanings, fillings, and even extractions.
These programs are often first-come, first-served, and they fill up fast, so make sure to check their schedules in advance. They may not cover major dental work like implants or extensive restorative care, but if you’re in need of an emergency extraction or filling, they can be a lifesaver.
3. Apply for Government Dental Assistance Programs
Government programs can also help cover dental costs for check-ups, cleanings, and even some restorative treatments if you meet the eligibility criteria. For example, they offer affordable or free dental care for low-income adults and families, individuals with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women, and children.
As of October 2024, about 79.3 million people in the U.S. were covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). That number includes 72 million adults on Medicaid and 7.2 million kids enrolled in CHIP.
4. Visit a Free or Low-Cost Community Dental Clinic
Many cities have community dental clinics that offer services at reduced rates. For example, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer low-cost or even free dental services, and the price depends on your income. They’re funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to make sure people in underserved areas can still get the care they need.
These clinics typically offer routine procedures like cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They may not be able to provide specialized treatments, but they can help with urgent dental issues. If you need emergency dental care and don’t have money or insurance, this is one of the best places to turn to.
5. Consider a Dental Discount Plan
If you don’t qualify for free dental care and still can’t afford dentist visits at full price, a dental discount plan can be a good option. These plans aren’t insurance, but they offer discounted rates at participating dentists. You pay a small fee, and in return, you get reduced pricing on procedures like cleanings, root canals, and crowns.
Unlike traditional insurance, there are no waiting periods, and you don’t have to worry about coverage limits. If you can’t afford a full-priced dental visit but still need treatment, this kind of plan can make a big difference.
6. Negotiate Payment Plans with Your Dentist
A lot of people don’t realize that dental costs can be negotiated. If you explain your financial situation to your dentist, they may be willing to work with you on a payment plan. Some offices may allow you to pay in monthly installments with little to no interest, while others may offer discounts for paying in cash upfront.
It never hurts to ask. Many dentists understand that dental care is expensive, and they’d rather help a patient get a treatment than turn them away.
7. Look for Dental Grants
Dental grants exist for people who need major dental work but can’t afford it. Organizations like the Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) provide free treatment to seniors, people with disabilities, and those with serious medical conditions like head and neck cancer.
Their Donated Dental Services (DDS) program connects patients with a network of over 12,000 volunteer dentists and 3,500 dental labs across the U.S. Since it started, they’ve provided more than $500 million worth of free treatments to over 165,000 people.
These grants aren’t always easy to get, and there may be a long waiting list. But those who qualify get full treatment plans designed just for them.
8. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
If you have an HSA or FSA through your employer, you can use those funds to pay for dental work. These accounts let you set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses, including medical procedures, like checkups, cleanings, and other treatments to keep your teeth healthy.
9. Seek Help from Religious Organizations
Many churches and faith-based organizations run programs for low-income individuals who can’t afford dental work even with insurance. Catholic Charities, Baptists on Mission, and Church Health Services provide free or low-cost dental care through clinics and mobile units.
Programs like Manos de Cristo and San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic offer services to uninsured adults, children, and seniors, to help them have access to essential dental treatments.
So, reach out to them to see if they have resources available.
10. Apply for a Medical Credit Card
Medical credit cards like CareCredit can help cover the cost of dental work if you need money immediately and don’t have funds available upfront.
With these cards, you can finance treatments with zero-interest promotional periods, but be careful. The interest rates can be high if you don’t pay off the balance within the promotional timeframe.
Just make sure you understand the terms and have a plan to pay off the balance before the interest kicks in.
11. Request an Emergency Loan
If you’re in a tough spot and need dental work as soon as possible, a small emergency loan might be your only option. Some credit unions and online lenders may offer personal loans specifically for medical and dental expenses.
Before taking out a loan, consider exploring ideas on how to make money from side gigs or extra work. If you have to take one, compare different lenders and make sure you can afford the monthly payments.
This should be a last resort, but it’s an option if nothing else is available.