7 Ways to Find Free or Low-Cost Dental Care (Even Without Insurance)

Teeth hurt? You are not alone. Going to the dentist can be scary and expensive. Many people do not have dental insurance. But everyone needs healthy teeth!

This guide will help you find free or cheap dental care. We know where to look and how to save money.

Why Dental Care is Important

Bad teeth hurt. They can make it hard to:

• Eat food
• Sleep at night
• Go to work
• Smile and talk to friends

When you skip the dentist, small problems get bigger and more expensive.

7 Easy Ways to Find Affordable Dental Care

Let’s look at ways to get dental care that won’t empty your wallet!

1. Community Health Centers

Community health centers help millions of people every year. They work for everyone, even if you don’t have much money.

What to know:

• 1 in 11 people in the U.S. use these centers
• 63% offer dental care at low prices
• They use a “sliding scale” – you pay what you can afford
• They help with cleanings, fillings, and pulling teeth

“I saved over $300 on my root canal at my local health center!” – Maria, Texas

2. Dental Schools

Dental students need practice. You can get cheap dental work from students who are learning. Don’t worry – teachers watch everything they do!

What to know:

• You can save 30-50% on dental work
• NYU Dental School helps 200,000+ people each year
• 85% of patients say they got good care
• It takes longer than a regular dentist visit

What they offer:

• Cleanings
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Dental crowns
• Pulling teeth

Find a dental school near you by calling the dental school closest to your home.

3. Nonprofit & Charity Groups

Many groups help people who need dental care but can’t pay.

Best options:

• Dental Lifeline Network: Helps 30,000+ elderly and disabled people each year
• Mission of Mercy: Held 1,200+ free clinics in 2022
• Churches & Community Centers: Often host free dental days

What they offer:

• Emergency help
• Basic cleanings
• Pulling painful teeth

4. Medicaid & CHIP Programs

If you don’t make much money, you might get free dental care from the government.

Important facts:

• Only 43% of dentists take Medicaid
• Coverage is different in each state
• Children get more dental services than adults
• Oregon saw 22% fewer cavities after expanding their program

Who can get help:

• Low-income families
• Pregnant women
• People with disabilities
• Children (through CHIP)

Apply at your state Medicaid office or online at Benefits.gov.

5. Dental Discount Plans

These are not insurance, but they can save you money. You pay a yearly fee and get lower prices at the dentist.

What to know:

• Cost: $80-200 per year
• Save 20-50% on dental work
• No waiting periods
• No paperwork to fill out
• People save $300+ per year with these plans
• 68% of users say the plans make dental care affordable

Good for:

• Root canals
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Multiple family members

Look at DentalPlans.com or Careington to compare plans.

6. Free Dental Clinics

Free clinics help people who have no other options. They focus on stopping pain and fixing big problems.

Where to find them:

• Health departments
• United Way (dial 211)
• Community centers
• Schools during special events

What to know:

• United Way helped 12+ million people find dental care in 2022
• Free clinics in Arizona cut emergency room dental visits by 40%
• Waits can be long
• Focus on emergency care first

“The free clinic saved my daughter when she had a terrible toothache and we had no insurance.” – James, Ohio

7. Ask For Payment Plans

Don’t be afraid to talk about money with your dentist. Many will work with you if you ask!

What to try:

• Ask about sliding-scale fees (55% of dentists offer them)
• Pay cash for a discount (average 12% off)
• Set up monthly payments
• Ask about savings for multiple family members

Remember: Dentists want to help you. Many will work with your budget if you are honest about your situation.

Comparison Table: Which Option Is Best For You?

Emergency Dental Care Options

Dental pain is scary. If you have a true emergency:

1. Call dental schools – they often keep spots open for emergencies
2. Visit hospital ERs for infections (they can’t fix teeth, but can treat infections)
3. Try dental school emergency clinics
4. Call 211 for immediate help in your area

Signs you need emergency care:

• Face swelling
• Fever with tooth pain
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Broken jaw
• Knocked-out tooth (keep it moist!)

Your Questions Answered

How to Keep Dental Costs Down

The best way to save on dental care is to prevent problems:

• Brush twice a day
• Floss every day
• Drink water instead of soda
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
• Get cleanings when you can afford them

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for pain! Here’s what to do right now:

1. Call 211 to find local resources
2. Contact the nearest dental school
3. Check if you qualify for Medicaid
4. Look for dental discount plans online
5. Ask friends about dentists who offer payment plans

Remember: Your teeth are important. Taking care of small problems now prevents big, expensive problems later.

“I put off seeing a dentist for years because of cost. Now I wish I hadn’t waited so long! There are options if you look for them.” – Michael, Florida

Share This Information

Do you know someone who needs dental care? Share this guide with them! Everyone deserves healthy teeth, no matter how much money they have.