Dental Care on a Tight Budget

How can you empower yourself and your health when seeking dental care? A few negotiation tips can save you money, but you also have great options to really stretch your dollar as a dental traveler.

Dental care expenses should be scrutinized as part of your medical care profile. Planning for dental care can sometimes be an afterthought when dental health appears stable. Health care costs continue to escalate and we frequently feel vulnerable because our options are limited. Few insurance plans cover dental expenses and preventive, routine, or emergency care is necessarily paid out of pocket with cash or credit card because payment plans are rarely an option.

Cash Talks

As a direct paying consumer you yield a powerful tool when selecting your dental care provider so research and negotiate wisely. Fees may not be transparent and determine whether they are grouped together or unit priced – that is, per procedure. Always receive a written dental treatment plan if procedures are recommended. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a discount if you are paying cash but determine that upfront before any services are rendered.
If a consulting opinion is necessary with another specialist outside of the clinic where you are receiving care, your radiographic films should be made available digitally (to you or the specialist) to avoid duplication and additional X-ray exposure. Better yet, choose a dental group that includes all the specialists you may need. This business model of shared overhead should be reflected in their fees, technology, and quality.

What if the treatment plan price exceeds my budget?

Dental health can be precarious as we age and what do you do when the price tag exceeds your budget, especially in the case of higher ticket items such as implants, bridgework, crowns or root canals. Perhaps you are also finally considering a full cosmetic restoration with veneers or crowns for that smile you have always dreamed of. Today many people are choosing international travel for dental care and the field of dental tourism has grown significantly in the last 10 years. Cost savings of 50-70% including travel exist with the most popular countries being in Central Europe, Asia and south of the border. The majority of dental travelers choose Hungary which serves as the epicenter of dental education for all of Europe.

An important consideration when traveling for dental care requires a stay in another country with a different language, customs and currency; your confidence with the chosen clinic and dental staff is paramount. Selecting the highest quality dentist office requires careful research and due diligence in determining the best dental provider for you. Many countries do not have the same standards of the United States and Canada and you should understand what these differences are.
If you are considering travel as an option, where do you start? Your search should begin with the internet and there are a multitude of websites for many countries. Remember, the dental clinic website is the online office so look for a clean, crisp look with a comprehensive site map that includes answers to all your questions.

Finding a qualified dentist and clinic can be daunting but it is possible to have premium quality dental care and a holiday at the same time. It is important to do your homework and choose a clinic and dental agent who will answer all your questions to your satisfaction and be available throughout each step of the process. These are only a few of the considerations you should make if pursuing this path and quality of care should always be your guiding factor.