I’m left feeling a bit disenchanted after a visit to a so-called “affordable dentist.” I had a small cavity developing. I’ve known it was there for some time, but my finances didn’t allow me to take care of it right away. The tooth started to bother me a little and I knew I needed to get the cavity taken care of. Anyway, I already knew the size and scope of the job to be done, so I called around and got pricing on it. One guy bragged about his low rates and he did indeed undercut the others by about $100. That’s no small thing for me. I’m on a fixed income. In any case, I went to the guy to have the filling done. He told me I don’t qualify for the price they quoted me on the phone. He says I need a crown, which now puts me hundreds of dollars over my budget.

I feel like I’ve been misled. I’m considering going for a second opinion, but I also don’t want to pay for another exam and x-rays if what he’s saying is legit. Is there a way to know if he’s being upfront about costs without paying someone else to confirm it?

Thanks,

Jake

 

Dear Jake,

It’s very hard to find a quality dentist. Oftentimes, when you find someone bragging about how their rates are ultra-low and they undercut others by a significant amount, there’s a reason behind it… and not usually a good one. Because you went into it with the mindset of choosing the cheapest dentist, it’s not surprising that you also don’t trust him to be honest and upfront. We all like a bargain, but when it comes to healthcare, the two rarely mix. He may be being honest and giving you a fair assessment. The fact that your tooth hurts now and it didn’t before suggests that the cavity has progressed, so it’s entirely possible the treatment you were initially prescribed is no longer enough to repair your tooth. That said, there are criteria you can use to find an affordable dentist.

How to Find an Affordable Dentist

Custom Plans: Search for someone who listens to you and offers options. There are often several solutions at varying price points.

Payment Plans: Some offer payment plans. It’s rare to find a place that does in-house financing, but you may find a dentist who accepts CareCredit, which typically has no finance charges for a period of time.

Discounts: It sounds like you’re working without insurance and paying for services on your own. Some offices will extend discounts to those who pay in cash.

If You Don’t Trust Your Dentist, Get a Second Opinion

If you’re like most people, you’ll probably have doubts and want to confirm the diagnosis. To make it more affordable, ask for a copy of your x-ray and take it with you to your consultation, so you can save money.

If you truly trust your dentist, you’ll know you’re getting the best care possible, and that the dentist is doing everything he or she can to help keep your smile healthy and stay within your budget.

This blog is sponsored by Plano affordable dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.