Bad Breath: You Don't Have to Live with It

Dentists help patients keep their teeth beautiful and healthy. Unfortunately, the cost of dental care can add up quickly. With the right techniques, you can get dental care, even on a budget. Here are four tips that can help you find affordable dental care:

1. Volunteer at a dental college

Dentists receive extensive training to provide excellent care to patients. Toward the end of their schooling careers, dental students must hone their skills by practicing on patients, which means that you can find discounted dental services at dental colleges. If you'd like to help dental students practice their trade and receive affordable dental care, volunteering at a dental college is a great option. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands since dental students will be supervised by a licensed dentist at all times.

2. Find dental practices that offer sliding scale payment structures

Many dental practices believe that dental care should be financially feasible for all patients. For this reason, some dental practices offer services on a sliding scale. This means that you'll be able to pay what you can afford, based on your income. If cost is a concern that's keeping you from seeking dental care, look for a dentist in your area who offers discounted services to people in need.

3. Look for in-office dental care plans

Dental insurance can greatly reduce the cost of dental care. However, the cost of dental insurance itself can be prohibitive, especially if you don't receive a dental plan through your job. Fortunately, there is another alternative you may be able to take advantage of. Some dental practices offer in-office dental care plans. Instead of purchasing dental insurance through an insurance provider, you will instead pay a monthly or yearly fee directly to your dentist. In exchange, you will receive all the benefits of dental insurance. In-office dental care plans are often cheaper than purchasing dental insurance elsewhere.

4. Keep up with your preventive care appointments

Finally, you can keep your dental care affordable by attending all of your regularly scheduled preventive care appointments. Going to the dentist's office more often may sound counterintuitive when you're trying to save money. However, seeing your dentist twice a year will allow you to get the professional cleanings and X-rays you need to prevent cavities and remedy decay early. These preventive measures can help you avoid more costly restorative treatments in the future.