5 Options If You Don't Have Dental Insurance

Dec 01, 2022

Keeping your mouth healthy pays off for your whole body. Tooth decay can aggravate diabetes and even contribute to heart disease. The best way to prevent or halt tooth decay is to see a dentist regularly, but many people avoid the dentist due to the cost of visits. Insurance is not available or affordable for many people, leaving them to pay the full cost of a procedure out of pocket. Fortunately, insurance isn't the only help available for financing dental care.

Covering the Cost of Your Dental Procedures

In a 2015 survey from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute, almost 60% of people who had not been to a dentist in 12 months said that cost was the primary reason for doing so. While insurance is the first thing most people think of to relieve their cost burden, it is not the only way to pay for dental procedures. Some other options you may want to look into include: 

  • Third-Party Financing. Just as with medical care, loans are available to bridge the gap between your budget and the full cost of a procedure. Check to see if your dentist accepts your loan provider before committing.
  • In-House Financing. Your dentist may offer the option to pay in monthly installments without applying through a third party. Availability may vary based on the cost of your procedure.
  • Membership Clubs. If your dental office has a membership club, you may be able to pay a monthly premium, as you would with insurance, to have certain procedures fully covered during your membership. You may even get discounts on procedures that are not covered by the club agreement.
  • Deals and Coupons. If your procedure is not immediately necessary, you may be able to wait for promotions or look for coupons. Some dental offices will offer a discount on a second procedure when you have your first done.
  • Dental Schools & Clinics. As with other professions, you may be able to get a discount if you are willing to help teach the next generation of dentists. Some university dental schools and dental clinics offer heavily discounted or free services in exchange for letting students gain experience.


Check with your dental team to see if any of these options are available to you.

Our In-House Membership Plan

At WestLake Dental Care, we know that not everyone has dental insurance, and it's for that very reason that we have an affordable, in-house membership program! This plan is for patients who are underinsured, uninsured, or who simply cannot apply their coverage to our office. We want you to still be able to save on our superior general, preventive, and even cosmetic services! In addition, there are no monthly premiums, no deductibles, no yearly maximums, and no waiting periods to begin treatment. Coverage even begins immediately upon Membership Club enrollment!

Making Dental Care Affordable

At WestLake Dental Care, we know how dental health affects your overall health. The benefits of caring for your mouth aren't limited to your teeth and gums. Contact us today to learn about how we can help you finance your dental needs.

Share by: