Insurance

Finding a good dental care clinic is a matter of taking the time to research local resources. One of them can be your local dental school where members of the public are welcome with or without insurance. There are community dental centers that you can call for an appointment. They accept Medicaid and private insurance and for low income or uninsured community residents they can use general assistance vouchers. There are typically sliding scale fees.

The United States is known the world over for its high medical standards. These standards come at a high cost even if you have insurance. There are nearly 108 million people in America without insurance to cover the care of their teeth. If you are without benefits, are homeless or under the age of 18 a clinic can assist you. Those who are employed are not eligible for these benefits.

Going to a dental school is open to everyone, it is the same as going to a dentist's office but is much less expensive. The appointments could take longer but it's worth the wait. In order to be accepted you have to have a current issue with your teeth. The first appointment is a check-up. They will take people in groups into a large exam room and they are seated in cubicles. You will be sent for x-rays if you are a good candidate for a student dentist. If your case is complex you will have the choice of going to a regular dentist. If the exam shows no problems you are charged nothing.

The wait could be as long as a month for the initial appointment but once you are in your appointments could be set very close together. The appointments typically take around three hours as each student's work will need to be checked by the supervising dentist. The findings from the exam and any proposed treatment will also be reviewed. There are several students assigned to each supervisor which is why the wait can take so long.

At a dental center the basic services include cleanings, sealants, check-ups and x-rays, fillings, extractions, oral cancer screenings and healthy gum care. The advanced services they provide include root canals, crowns and bridges and full and partial dentures. Dentists and practices from all over the country donate their time to these centers to ensure that people who cannot afford the work have an opportunity to maintain their oral health.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious medical problems that include heart disease. Waiting until problems turn into emergencies make the problems much more complicated to resolve. It is best to practice preventative care.

Non-profit clinics offer sliding scale fees based on ones income. They often offer walk-in appointments and emergency hours. Some dentists participate in programs funded by grants that provide free care. Contacting The United Way can assist in finding low-cost or free care.

Everyone should floss and brush daily in order to maintain good oral health. It can affect the health of the entire body and is a part of staying healthy. It is worth the time and effort to figure out how to find a good dental care clinic that can help you to stay healthy.