Going to the dentist is no fun, but it can also be costly, particularly when you don’t have insurance. It’s easy to get angry about the prices, but there are actually legitimate reasons why dental bills are so high.
Reasons for Dental Care Costs
The first thing to understand is that a dental practice is a business trying to make a profit, just like any business. They receive payments from patients and insurance companies, but they also have business expenses to pay. These expenses are among the reasons that dental care is so expensive.
Here is a rundown of the reasons for high dental care costs.
Education Costs
Becoming a dentist is no small feat, and it costs a lot of money. Dentists go through their four- year undergraduate education and have perform very well academically, because getting into dental school, which is the next step they go through, is highly competitive. Dental school lasts another four years, and is very expensive. Sometimes dental students do additional specialization classes after dental school. All of this education means that many dentists carry a heavy load of student loan debt that they have to pay off for many years.
Equipment and Materials
If you’ve been in a dental chair, you’ve seen all the equipment that it takes to provide just simple preventative services. Other equipment that you may not have seen is also involved in more extensive dental work. All of this equipment had a significant cost when purchased, and also needs to be serviced or replaced periodically.
Sterilization Products
A dental environment must be kept sterile, which takes gloves, masks, needles that can only be used once, and more. All of these items are disposable, meaning that they are an ongoing expense for the dental practice.
Individualized Care
Every patient gets individualized care from the dentist, which takes their time and effort. That time and their work have a value that they deserve to get paid for.
Administrative Costs
A dental care practice has a host of administrative costs, from business and malpractice insurance, to employee compensation, to the processing of insurance claims, to utility costs. All of these add up to a significant amount. These expenses, and all of the other expenses, have to be paid before the practice turns a profit.
Lack of Preventive Care
Certain procedures that are more expensive are a result of a lack of preventive care. People who don’t take care of their teeth and don’t have regular dental cleanings are inevitably going need reparative procedures, which are more time-consuming and expensive. Because of this, preventive care is a good investment, saving you money in the long run.
Average Cost of Dental Procedures
If you need dental work, it’s good to know what your costs will be ahead of time. Here are some common dental procedures and their average price ranges.
- Regular Cleaning and Exams: $125 to $150, $20 to $50 extra for fluoride treatments. Dental insurance typically covers these costs at 100%.
- Fillings: $150 to $2,800. With insurance your out-of-pocket costs would likely be around $150 to $250.
- Crowns: $800 to $2,500. Insurance usually covers 50%.
- Bridges: $1,500 and up. Bridges can be very expensive and insurance coverage varies significantly by plan and provider.
- Root Canals: $800 to $2,500. Insurance may cover from 50% to 80%.
- Partial Dentures: $1,500 to $3,500. Insurance coverage can vary significantly by plan and provider
- Full Dentures: $1,800 to $3,600 per arch (upper and lower). Insurance coverage varies.
Money Saving Tips for Dental Care
Dental care doesn’t always have to break the bank. You can do a few things to save some money.
- Getting dental insurance can certainly help. Dental insurance is less expensive than medical insurance, costing about $20 to $50 per person per month depending on the plan chosen.
- Ask your dental care provider about payment plans. They often offer financing for people with no insurance or large deductibles.
- Find a dental practice that offers memberships, meaning that you pay a monthly membership fee to get discounts on cleanings and procedures.
- Check with a local dental school. They often offer reduced fee services. Students will generally perform the procedures with the supervision of a qualified dentist.
- Find a Federally Qualified Health Center. They provide dental services regardless of your ability to pay.
In Closing
Unfortunately, dental care is expensive, but for good reasons. However, there are many ways to save money on dental care, as well as payment options. If you are in need of dental care, Health Service Alliance is here to help. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
