7 Ways to Get Affordable Dental Care for Adults and Children

Going to the dentist can be scary.

Not because of the high-powered drill or that suction thingy.

It’s the cost.

The average American spent $430 on dental care in 2020, according to the American Dental Association.

It’s no wonder 37% of American adults reported skipping their yearly dentist appointment, according to CDC data.

You may not be able to cover a big out-of-pocket expense — but you still want the best dental care possible for your kids and yourself.

In this guide, we break down affordable dental care options, including nonprofit programs for kids, discount dental plans and Medicaid coverage.

1. Community Health Clinics

Federally funded community health clinics provide reduced-cost or free dental care services to people with low incomes.

Many operate on a sliding scale system while others offer flexible payment plans.

Wait lists are often long, so reach out to your local clinic as soon as possible.

Here’s how to find a community health center near you.

2. Dental Schools

When your only option is to pay out-of-pocket, you can visit nearby dental schools for discounted services.

Dentists need to learn their trade, and at many of the schools where they’re trained, you can get inexpensive or free dental work.

For example, the College of Dentistry at Ohio State University in Columbus routinely offers cheap dental care, and regularly has events where they offer free dental work.

Call the dental school nearest to you and see what’s available. This list of dental schools will get you started.

3. Charitable Organizations

Several nonprofit programs offer braces and other professional dental services for kids.

Finding and qualifying for similar charity programs for adults, however, can be much more challenging.

Subsidized Care for Children

Several subsidized…