Emergency Dental Financial Help

Many people are not covered by dental insurance or have limited coverage. Dental procedures can cost thousands of dollars. With the skyrocketing costs of copays and deductibles, many people are finding themselves in need of emergency dental procedures with no way to pay for them. Don't fret, there are options available.

• Call your local Department of Human Services. They can often refer you to public service or medical programs that work with people who have no dental insurance. There also may be a dentist affiliated with your city or county's health department.


• Call your dentist. If you have a dentist that you regularly visit, call them and explain the situation. Ask if they'll make payment arrangements. If you don't have a regular dentist, perform an Internet search, look in the phone book or ask for personal referrals from friends and family. Many websites and dental ads will inform you about payment policies and financing options. Call the dental offices that look like they may be promising.


• Research the credit requirements of medical services financing companies such as CareCredit. If your credit is blemished, EZPay Solutions may be able to approve you. Beware that many medical financing companies will not approve your application without a referral from a dentist.  


• Consider dental schools. If financing and extended payment plans are not an option, dental colleges provide many services. Some schools charge fees for procedures on a sliding scale dependent on income, others do not charge a fee or charge a flat fee.  Dental students practice under the guidance of instructors. Appointments can be difficult to get in some areas.  


• Don't give up. Keep calling various dental and human services offices. Keep an open mind and don't be ashamed. It is important that you get the help you need.