Key Takeaway: Although going to the dentist can be very expensive, there are low-cost dental options such as - dental schools, dental charities, and dental savings plans. Keep reading to 'filled in' on each.

 

These days, all I can say is 'OUCH' when the dentist gives me a quote for dental work that me or someone in my family needs. No, I'm not referring to the ouch from having your teeth and gums poked and drilled into. I'm talking about the ouch to my pocketbook.

Fortunately for me though, there are affordable, low-cost, budget-friendly dentistry options. And those who know me know that I'm always looking for a deal.

So how can you make getting that dental work a little less painful on the wallet and save more of your hard-earned money. Consider the two options below.

Dental Schools

The first option is a dental school. Now you might be thinking that there's no way you are going to let somebody that's in training come anywhere near your mouth. And that's reasonable. However one of the nice things about the schools is that it won't be a new student. The work will be performed by students who are nearing the end of their training and is always supervised by someone with experience.

The cost for treatment at a dental school is much less that you will pay if you had it performed at a dental office.

Click here to view a list of all dental schools in the U.S.

Dental Charities

The second way is by looking into government assistance programs and charities for dental care. The options available to you may vary by things like your age, where you live, and how much money you make.

You could start with a Google search for dental charities in your area.

Dental Savings Plans

The third option and my favorite is joining a dental savings plan.

Did you know that if you walk into a dental office without dental insurance or a dental plan, you actually pay more for the work than the large insurance companies pay that have billions of dollars in the bank pay? It's true.

Insurance companies have negotiated great rates with dental offices. But they get those great rates because they leverage the power of millions of members.

By becoming a member of a dental savings plan and paying a low monthly fee, you will get access to those same cost-effective dental work costs. With the right plan some of the charges may be even less that what insurance companies pay. How's that for you?!

With a dental savings plan you can pay just a little bit to be a member and then you can go to a network of dental offices and see a licensed dentist with no approval or waiting need. It just suits me best. It's the deal I like.

See the plan that's been around since the early 1990's and has the biggest savings for it's members of 20%-60% with no waiting to use.

Whatever you decide is best for you just remember that the best way to avoid costly dental bills in the future is by getting a cleaning and exam at the dentist twice a year. Your whole mouth will stay healthier and you will catch things early, things you may not even know are going on. Catching them early is likely to save you a whole lot of money.

If you decide to go the budget-friendly dental plan membership route, let having the plan motivate you too keep up with this preventative work. You'll be glad you did. Plus best savings you get with the plan are on these services.