Are you in the market for an affordable dentist in Dallas, TX? If so, then you may be struggling to find a provider that offers cost-effective solutions for you and your family. Luckily, finding an affordable general dentistry center in Lakewood doesn’t have to be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Lakewood Dental Group is among the highest-rated dental offices in Dallas. Not only are we highly rated, but we offer numerous inexpensive treatments, too. Schedule an appointment with our affordable dentist in Dallas, TX, today here, or call us at (214) 827-1885 for more information and booking.
In this post, we give you tips and tricks for finding an affordable dentist in Dallas, TX. Keep reading for valuable information that you won’t get anywhere else!
Search for Providers Within Your Insurance Network
Dental providers may be in or out-of-network, depending on which insurance company you use. If you’ve never heard of “in-network” providers, then let us explain what that means.
Dental professionals initiate contracts with insurance companies to provide covered services (either partially or completely) to patients. If a dentist does not have a contract with an insurance company, then that provider may be considered “out-of-network” with that insurance company.
However, just because a dentist is out-of-network does not mean that you cannot receive care from that dentist. It simply means that you may be responsible for all costs, or that your insurance company may only cover a fraction of the services rendered.
At Lakewood Dental Group, we accept most Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, such as:
- Cigna
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- MetLife
- Delta Dental
If you need help deciphering your insurance coverage, then let us know. We will gladly help you determine which providers and treatments are in-network so that you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Keep an Eye Open for an Affordable Dentist in Dallas Who Offers In-House Membership Plans
2022 statistics indicate that roughly 77 million Americans do not have any dental insurance, which accounts for nearly a quarter of our population. For many of these people, lack of insurance coverage prevents them from visiting even the most affordable dentist in Dallas.
Luckily, an alternative to dental insurance exists – in-house membership plans (also called in-house dental plans). These proprietary plans allow patients to get affordable dental care, including:
- Preventive treatments: These may include yearly dental exams, cleanings, and digital x-rays.
- Restorative treatments: Whether completely or partially, many in-house membership plans cover common restorative treatments, like cavity fillings and dental crowns.
- Cosmetic treatments: Although it may be rare, some in-house dental plans give patients discounted rates for smile-enhancing treatments.
If a dental office does not accept your insurance, then ask them if they have any in-house membership plans. Many affordable dentists in Dallas have numerous in-house packages for you to choose from. In fact, many dentists allow you to build your own package so that you can tailor your care to your unique needs.
Look for an Affordable Dentist in Dallas Who Partners with Trusted Third-Party Lenders
Medical debt in America is a bit of a problem. Experts believe that about 6% of adults (that’s roughly 16 million people) in the US have over $1,000 in medical debt. And, shockingly, another 1% (approximately 3 million people) currently owe more than $10,000 to medical institutions.
Many dentists partner with trusted third-party lenders (like LendingClub and CareCredit) to help patients avoid crushing medical debt. These lenders often provide short-term, low-interest financing options, which allow patients to slowly pay for their care in monthly installments.
Long-term financing options often have a lower interest rate compared to short-term financing plans. However, even short-term interest rates with third-party lenders may be lower than interest rates through major credit card companies (which can be as high as 19%).
Furthermore, many third-party medical lenders report to credit bureaus, like TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. As a result, you may be able to build your credit with third-party medical lenders (with timely payments and after an initial credit check, of course).
Check Out Free Services Through a Dental School Near You
Student healthcare providers must practice their craft to safely provide treatments to their patients. But, practicing on dummies or mannequins only gets students so far. That’s why many medical and dental schools allow their students to practice what they’ve learned on willing participants in their communities.
Typically, dental treatments from supervised, unlicensed providers are free to the public. However, participants receiving free services often waive their right to legal recourse should something go wrong during treatment. Luckily, academic institutions only allow exemplary students to practice on members of their community, which limits this risk.
These free services often fill up quickly. So, keep your eyes open for a waitlist or other monitoring system.
Look for Altruistic, Low-Cost Dental Organizations
If you cannot find a dental school near you offering free community services, then it may be worth exploring other low-cost options.
The Dallas County Dental Society can help you find a dental organization that offers reduced or free services in your area. Many organizations offer comprehensive treatments to underserved members of their community, including:
- BIPOC communities
- Women and children
- People without housing
- US veterans
- Elderly and house-bound patients
Even though these low-cost services are helpful, there may be a process for getting free or reduced care. Be sure to provide all of the necessary documentation to get the affordable care that you deserve, such as:
- Proof of income (such as a pay stub)
- Tax documents (like a W2 or 1099)
- Unemployment or disability benefits
- Proof of residency
- Proof of military service (like a current military ID or a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty [DD form 214])
Many of these organizations can help you attain the necessary documents to receive low-cost care. Let them know if you need help accessing your important information and documents.
Contact an Affordable Dentist in Dallas, TX
Are you ready to see why patients love our affordable dentist in Dallas, TX? Then, contact Lakewood Dental Group to get the cost-effective care you deserve today. Just request an appointment here, or call us at (214) 827-1885 for more information and scheduling.
