What Options Do Utah Residents Without Dental Insurance Have?

We get it, dental care can be expensive. And not everyone has it included in their employment benefits. Cost is one of the main reasons Utahns don’t get regular dental care, especially if you don’t have any dental insurance. Many people are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and may be unemployed or otherwise unable to pay for insurance. If you’re wondering how to afford dental care, keep reading to discover what options you have.

Dental Schools

One option for you is to get your dental services performed at a dental school. In Utah, there are many schools that are full of students getting hands-on training. Most of these schools run clinics where students can treat patients at a reduced price. These prices are often much less expensive than a local dental clinic. Appointments may take longer than usual because licensed instructors will be checking in, but this also means extra care will be taken during your treatment.

Various Dental Clinics

There are some types of dental clinics in Utah that offer services at a low or discounted price. These include:

• Public Clinics
• Free Clinics
• Nonprofit Clinics
• And More!

Each one has its own pros and cons.

Public Dental Clinics

Public dental clinics are taxpayer-funded and are run by state health departments or local health centers. These clinics get grants by the federal government to provide services at a lower cost. Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call. They can charge either a fixed price or charge based on what you can afford.

Free Dental Clinics

People understand that the need for dental services outweigh the supply of affordable care. Because of this, charities and other organizations often donate dental services. However, be aware that waitlists can be long and there may be stipulations regarding financial circumstances or age depending on the organization.

Nonprofit Dental Clinics

Some cities in Utah have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can’t afford care. Many of these clinics are run by volunteers and donations. Fees are based on your ability to pay.

Government Dental Coverage

If you’re unemployed or but earn very little, check if your family qualifies for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You may be eligible even if you’re not a parent. In most states, Medicaid charges no monthly premiums. Please note that not all dentists take Medicaid, so you’ll want to call and ask beforehand.

Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans can often be confused with dental insurance, but they are different. Whether or not this option is right for you depends on how much dental work you and your family need every year and how much you will pay out of pocket.

If you belong to a dental savings plan, you typically get a discount of 10-60 percent off services from dentists that are a part of your savings plan. You pay a yearly fee, but there’s no deductible required. Many people choose this route because they don’t have insurance or they might be offered more services that insurance doesn’t cover.

Private Dentists

Some private dentists offer payment plans or a few free services a year. Some dentists take referrals from other dentists who want to help a patient with their oral care. Don’t be afraid to talk to your local dentist about what options they may have available. At Cottonwood Family Dental, we truly care about the people in our community, and that’s why we offer a membership club to those without insurance to help ease the burden of not having insurance.

Cottonwood Family Dental VIP Club

Here at Cottonwood Family Dental, we want everyone to have access to quality dental care. Receiving regular dental care is important for your own and your family’s overall health. Our VIP Club is designed for our patients who do not have access to dental insurance. It was made to support you and your family while saving you money. Features of this plan include:

• No annual maximum benefit
• No waiting periods
• No deductible
• No claim forms or pre-authorization
• No ID card is necessary
• Cosmetic dentistry included

We created our VIP club with your needs in mind. Each plan has annual benefits and affordable pricing for you and your family to take advantage of.

Contact Cottonwood Family Dental

If you are interested in affordable dental care, contact us today! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and get you started on the right plan. We believe in offering professional services at affordable prices. Our office staff is professional, friendly, and ready to deliver the individual attention that each patient deserves.