Research reveals that the average American spends $432 per year on dental services, with 40.3% of their dental expenses being paid out of pocket rather than through insurance. Of course, for many, dental care can become much more expensive, particularly when more intensive procedures like a root canal are needed.
Quite often, dental care can become a financial burden on households, regardless of their insurance status. As Nick Iacono, General Manager of Altogether Dental, a dental savings membership program, explains, understanding the signs that you are overpaying for dental care is key to improving both your finances and your oral health.
1. Your Insurance Doesn’t Fit Your Needs
As Iacono explains, having dental insurance coverage doesn’t necessarily mean that all of your dental care is going to be covered.
“Dental insurance isn’t the same as health insurance,” he notes. “While it typically offers full coverage for basic needs like cleanings and X-rays, coverage is less consistent for more intensive procedures. Most policies have an annual maximum between $1,000 and $2,000, and after that maximum amount has been reached, the patient has to pay the rest of their dental care out of pocket. This means if you need a procedure like a wisdom tooth removal or multiple crowns, you’ll likely pay a fair amount out of pocket.”
Dental insurance typically costs between $26 and $64 per person per month, depending on the level of coverage obtained. Reviewing your coverage is essential to make sure you aren’t spending too much on monthly premiums or potential out of pocket costs.
2. You’re Skipping Dental Procedures
One of the most telling signs that you’ve been overpaying for dental care is if you are skipping or postponing needed dental procedures — including basic care like routine cleanings — because you’re worried about the cost.
“About one third of Americans don’t go to the dentist, and for many, cost is a major factor behind why they choose not to go. This is true of people with and without insurance,” Iacono explains. “The problem with this is that while it may seem to help save money in the short term, it can actually lead to higher long-term costs. Skipping basic dental care puts you at greater risk of cavities, gingivitis and other problems. And delaying dental work like fillings could allow these issues to get even worse, which requires more expensive procedures.”
Research by the PAN Foundation confirms these sentiments, finding that 36% of insured adults who don’t receive regular dental care experience worsening dental health problems. Thirty-five percent also report tooth loss as a result of skipping care. Skipping dental care isn’t a good solution, and it’s a clear sign that you’re overpaying.
3. You Haven’t Looked Into Other Savings Options
Iacono also notes that many Americans don’t realize they have other ways to lower their dental costs outside of using insurance. “A dental membership program, like what we offer through Altogether Dental, allows patients to save an average of 40% on all dental procedures,” he explains.
“Savings usually range from 15 to 50%, depending on the procedure. Most importantly, these discounts are available for all procedures, with no deductibles, annual limits or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.”
In addition to these types of membership programs, dental patients may be able to make dental care more affordable by taking advantage of health savings accounts offered through their employer. Health savings accounts allow individuals to set aside a portion of their pre-tax earnings to be used for dental care and other medical expenses. This gives you a tax-free savings opportunity to cover out of pocket dental expenses, rather than paying with your post-tax income.
4. You Aren’t Comparing Prices
Finally, Iacono notes that many patients overpay for dental care simply because they don’t shop around. “The cost for dental care can vary quite a bit between providers — even those who are in the same geographic area,” he says.
“When looking for a dentist, it’s normal for us to look at their online reviews. But it’s valuable to dig deeper and compare their prices for the procedures you need. This can help you maximize your savings when using a dental discount program or trying to get a cash discount. For many of us, checking for the best prices is a normal part of the process when shopping for food or clothing. It doesn’t hurt to make it part of the process for something more expensive like dental care.”
To avoid making this process too overwhelming, consider comparing rates between the top three dentists you are considering. Even if the savings seem relatively minor at first, they can add up over time, especially as you continue to get regular care.
Take Control of Your Dental Expenses
As Iacono’s insights reveal, you have greater control over your dental expenses than you might expect. By evaluating your existing dental coverage (or lack thereof), shopping around to find the best pricing and taking advantage of discounted payment options, you can ensure you get the best possible care. Then, as you prioritize consistent dental care, you can maintain great oral health so your teeth and your wallet stay in great shape.
Meet Abby, a passionate health product reviewer with years of experience in the field. Abby's love for health and wellness started at a young age, and she has made it her life mission to find the best products to help people achieve optimal health. She has a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and has worked in various health institutions as a Nutritionist. Her expertise in the field has made her a trusted voice in the health community. She regularly writes product reviews and provides nutrition tips, and advice that helps her followers make informed decisions about their health. In her free time, Jane enjoys exploring new hiking trails and trying new recipes in her kitchen to support her healthy lifestyle.
