How to Find an Affordable Dentist

So, how can those without insurance and people who can't afford co-pays and out-of-pocket minimums get quality, affordable dental care? Fortunately, many low-cost options exist for those who think seeing dental professionals is beyond their budgets. In fact, with all of the free or low-cost dental services and programs presented below, everyone in the U.S. should be able to get a dental checkup at least once a year — and specialized dental procedures as needed.

One of the best ways to find affordable or free care is to seek out a university or dentistry school closest to you. Most have clinics where faculty and supervised students provide care at a reduced cost – typically based on a sliding income scale – or for free.

Luckily, the American Dental Association (ADA) has a great tool to find a U.S. accredited school near you. You can search by city, state, and type of treatment you need.

Once on the school's website, search for "dental" and "clinic" – along with other keywords – to pull up the web page. Then, you can check out if the clinic:

• Offers the dental treatment you need – specialized care (like orthodontics), certain dental procedures (like root canals), and services (like dentures)
• Lists certain days, hours, and even times of the month when the school offers the care you're seeking
• Requires appointments or serves the public on a first-come, first-served basis

The ADA tool also lets you find accredited dental hygienist schools that provide free or low-cost checkups and dental cleanings. These schools might also be in smaller cities near you. Getting basic dental care will help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Go to the sites below or check with local social service agencies for referrals to these clinics, which are usually funded by city, county, state, federal, and/or charitable funds:

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a directory for low-cost or free clinics receiving federal funds. Visit your state and local government websites to find listings of other clinics near you.
• The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics provides a search tool for dental and medical care clinics for underserved communities, including people in dental "deserts" and low-income people with or w/o insurance.

Here are a few things to know about these clinics

• Many offer checkups, dental cleanings, fillings, and crowns at a minimum. Some clinics provide root canals and more in-depth dental work.
• Because payment options vary, it's best to determine beforehand if a clinic and its services are free, require fees on a sliding income scale, or take insurance like Medicare.
• Many require proof of income. So, you'll want to bring a recent pay stub, tax form, or letter from your employer to qualify.