Each year, millions of people put off the dental care they need because they are not sure they can afford it. However, this often causes dental problems to get worse, costing more in the long run. So how can you get affordable dental care with no insurance in Las Vegas? Here are a few tips. We’ve updated this post in 2024 to give you additional tips and the most up-to-date information.
8 Ways to Find Affordable Dental Care With No Insurance in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for affordable dental care, but you don’t have insurance, there are a few things you can look for. We’ll talk about each of these in more detail, but here’s a few general tips:
- No-Interest Payment Plans: no-interest payment plans will help you manage costs according to your budget.
- New Patient Specials: for new patients to some offices, you can lower your costs by looking for special deals.
- Local Resources: Groups like Miles for Smiles or Future Smiles offer free or reduced-cost dental care for children, the elderly, and others.
- Dental Schools: Dental schools need patients to help their students learn how to provide dental care. These classes are conducted under the supervision of a certified dentist.
- Compare Prices: Call different dental offices and ask about their prices to see what you can expect and find a good deal.
- Ask Friends and Family: Talk to your friends and family and ask about their dental care costs.
- Preventative Care: The best way to lower your dental care costs without insurance is to practice great preventative care, like regular brushing and flossing.
- Apply for Medicaid and CHIP: Where possible, applying for programs like Medicaid and CHIP can help lower dental care costs significantly.
1. Look for No-Interest Payment Plans
For those without dental insurance in Las Vegas, paying for dental care up front can be difficult. However, affordable dental care without insurance might be easier than you think. Many dental offices offer low-interest or no-interest payment plans that make it easier to budget for the dental treatments you need.
First, ask about the treatments you need, and how much they will cost. Then, talk to your dentist about payment plans. With information about payment plan terms and interest, you can determine how much you will need to save each month to cover your treatment. You may be able to cover your treatment by tightening your budget just a bit each month.
BDG provides dental financing through Sunbit to help patients budget for dental treatments. You can be approved for up to $20,000, with terms as long as 72 months. It’s easy to apply online, either at your home or in our offices, and 90% of our patients are approved. You can also get extended financing through CareCredit with 0% interest, no annual fees and an easy application process.
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Learn more about low-interest and no-interest payment plans >
2. New Patient Specials
Many offices seeking new patients provide special pricing that can help you decrease costs substantially. For example, x-rays can be costly for patients without insurance and on a tight budget, but a new patient special may include x-rays at no extra charge.
As a new patient at BDG, you’ll receive a free dental exam and x-rays, so you only pay for a dental cleaning. At this exam, your teeth will be thoroughly, professionally cleaned, and you’ll also receive screening for other dental issues which can impact your health, like oral cancer or tooth infections. If you don’t have insurance and are seeking dental care, this can be a great option for you.
3. Explore Local Resources
A variety of local groups offer free or low-cost dental care for individuals or families with no insurance in Las Vegas. Some of these groups serve the elderly, veterans or children, and many make no distinctions about whom they serve.
Some of these resources include the Miles for Smiles mobile dental clinic, community health centers, or Future Smiles. The Nevada Dental Association publishes a list of resources available to get affordable dental care with no insurance in Las Vegas.
4. Dental Schools
Dental students, like many students who are learning their field, must practice dental care on real people as a part of their education. For this reason, many dental schools, like the UNLV Dental Schools of Medicine in Las Vegas, offer affordable dental care and public outreach programs to connect students with community members in need.
These programs and all dental care provided are supervised by licensed, professional dentists. Remember, never get dental care that is not associated with a licensed expert! This can be dangerous to your health.
5. Compare Prices
Asking about pricing can feel awkward, but it’s essential to find affordable dental care with no insurance in Las Vegas. Prices of dental services can vary dramatically. Many consultations are free, and you can use this time to compare prices.
When you see a dentist, ask what type of care you will need and how much it will cost. Remember to ask about other aspects that might not be included in the procedure itself, such as the use of anesthesia or medication.
6. Ask Friends and Family
Most people go to their friends and family for recommendations on dentists, but fewer people feel comfortable specifically talking about price. If people you trust have had similar dental procedures, asking them about price can help to give you a range and point of reference, so you can be sure you’re not overpaying.
7. Practice Preventative Care
While this won’t specifically affect your insurance, good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent the need for expensive procedures later on. When you’re thinking of skipping brushing, or you looking for a reason to start flossing or avoid sugary drinks, think of the money you can save by avoiding fillings and tooth extractions.
Another important preventative dental care process is regular cleanings by your dentist. If your dental check-up doesn’t seem worth it, remember that the cleaning and fluoride treatments your dentists provide give your teeth extra strength, and remove the buildup of bacteria that break down teeth. With good dental hygiene and regular dental cleanings, you’re doing the most that you can for your dental health and for your wallet.
8. Apply for Medicaid and CHIP Where Possible
You may qualify for Medicaid or your children may qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and you may not know it. These cover medically necessary dental procedures and preventative care for the elderly, those with low income, pregnant women, and children.
Children in families that are above income limits for Medicaid may still qualify for CHIP. In Nevada, CHIP is known as Nevada Check-UP (NCU). Take a look at this information on NCU from the Nevada government to learn more. This program can make it easier to get regular dental cleanings and take advantage of preventative care, especially for families with young children.
If you’re wondering how to get affordable dental care with no insurance in Las Vegas, be sure to consider all your options, and be honest with your dentist.
The dentists at Boston Dental Group have your best interests at heart and we will help you get the care you need at a price you can afford. Make an appointment today at one of our dental offices in Las Vegas, Henderson, Lauglin, Nevada, or Lake Havasu, Arizona, to learn more about our pricing and treatment options.
