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The #1 Source for Free Dental Work
Dental schools are the #1 source for finding a low cost, discounted dental plan and/or free dental work. In this setting, you are able to negotiate dental prices, get a easy payment plan, and even participate in free examinations and research projects if you qualify. Whether you require basic or advanced dental care in a specialized clinic setting, you can receive quality dental care for little or no cost at a dental school. Dental Schools - 4 Areas of Care There are four areas of care that you will find in a dental school. They are: Area 1:
Area 2:
Area 3:
Area 4:
For the purposes of finding a discounted dental plan and/or free dental work, our focus will be on those students outlined in areas 1 and 2 above. If you are only seeking to find an affordable dentist, then all four areas of care should be considered. Sources of Free and Discounted Dental Work Below are some ideas you should use to explore with the clinic manager or clinic facilitator for free and a discounted dental plan. This information should be discussed after you have been presented with a treatment plan. This is because the total amount involved may determine if you are eligible for a discount and/or payment plan. Detailed information for each source is explained below. • Research Opportunities • Grant Opportunities • Student Board Examinations • Dental School Community Service Activities A Discounted Dental Plan Speak to the clinic manager or clinic facilitator about a discounted dental plan. Try not to discuss fees with the dental student. They are expected to focus on your dental care, not dental fees (at least not until they begin their own private practice). The clinic manager or clinic facilitator usually handles all administrative matters. If there is no clinic manager or clinic facilitator available, find out who could authorize a discounted dental plan and speak with that individual.
Patients can receive very expensive procedures at a significantly low cost or free by participating in dental research projects. This may include teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding procedures, dental implant procedures, dental crowns, a fixed bridge and even some cosmetic dentistry procedures such as inlays, onlays and veneers! See the latest dental school research projects here. Dental Grant Opportunities Most dental schools receive grants for a specific group (senior citizens), or procedure (implants). Speak with the clinic manager or clinic facility about referring you to the appropriate personnel for further information. I have personally awarded over $50,000 in grant monies to individuals for a variety of dental procedures, including crowns, dentures, root canals and fixed bridges. Student Board Examinations
All states require dentists to be licensed to practice. In most states, a candidate must graduate from a U. S. dental school accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation and pass written and practical examinations to qualify for a license. A practical examination involves the use of qualified patients. Speak to both the dental student and the clinic manager or clinic facilitator about how you may participate. Practical examinations, sometimes referred to as National Board Examinations, may occur more than once per year at some dental schools. Depending upon the type of dental exam you participate in, you can receive free dental work. It may consist of 1) a free cleaning being performed as part of the examination or 2) the cleaning being done prior to your having the procedure that is related to the exam performed. For instance, the national board exam may consist of the student doing a dental filling. As part of your involvement, you may be given a teeth cleaning before the dental filling is performed, as well as any monetary compensation if offered. It is not unheard of for patients to get free custom fitted mouth guards, a root canal, or even a free dental crown for helping a dental student with a board examination! Dental School Community Service Activities
Other Resources NIDCR Clinical Trials Medicare is a health insurance program for people who are 65 years and older or for people with specific disabilities. Medicare does not cover most routine dental care or dentures. Visit their website for more information.
Important Points to Remember If you are being treated at a dental school, remember that your primary dental provider will be a dental student being trained by some of the most highly respected dental specialists in their field. Because your provider is a student in training and class sizes can be as large as 600 students at the clinical training stage, there is a constant demand for patients. So—
A Discounted Dental Plan from a Private Dentist From time to time, a private dental provider may add an incentive or grant a discounted dental plan to a patient – not too much of a discount, and not too often, but don’t let that stop you from asking. They are also looking to retain patients. Their goal is to have a successful dental practice. This is why many dentists participate in discounted dental plan networks. Learn more about discounted dental plan networks and how joining a plan will allow you to save money on quality dental care - often upwards of 10% to 60%. Discounted dental plans offer savings on a wide range of dental procedures such as examinations, cleaning, x-rays, as well as:
http://video.yahoo.com/video/profile?sid=625911l For a few dollars per month, it is possible to enroll in a low cost dental plan that will provide routine dental services for less than half of listed dental fees. A discounted dental plan includes a high number of qualified and affordable dentists, instant online acceptance, no claim forms or annual maximums. The main advantage of this type of low cost dental plan is the savings over listed dental fees. For some dental procedures involving bridgework, root canals, or orthodontics, the savings can be substantial. Quite simply, you will find it much easier to request (and receive) free dental work or a discounted dental plan from an educational institution than from a private dental provider. But don’t let that stop you from asking! Success for any dentist, general or specialist, private or educational setting, equals a viable pool of patients. The Disadvantages of Free Dental Work The only downside to having treatment done at an educational institution is that dental treatment takes longer than if you were being treated privately. There may be times when some stages of a dental procedure will need to be redone several times by a student before a faculty member gives it a seal of approval. If time is not a factor in your decision, using an affordable dentist at a dental school may be your best option for saving money on dental treatment. If time is an issue, or the care you need is minimal at best, or if you simply prefer treatment from a private dentist, consider using a Dental Referral service designed to help you find an affordable dentist for your needs. Also, be certain to check out the article explaining the various types of dental coverages used to pay for dental treatment. This valuable resource will help those who need assistance locating affordable individual, group or family dental coverage plans. If you are also without health insurance and looking for an affordable plan, use one of the search tools listed below to find quality health. A new window will open and you will be well on your way to getting the largest selection of health plans from which you can choose. Compare plans & apply online to receive free instant quotes, the best prices, and if necessary, Live help! Summary Whether you choose to have your dental work performed at a dental school or by a private dentist, before you commit to any treatment, discuss the dental treatment plan at length with your dental health care provider. Find information on dental procedures (and cost averages), anatomy of the tooth anatomy, see procedures in video, and get the latest dental news and oral hygiene information. All of this information is designed to assist you in your discussions with your dental provider regarding your treatment needs. Discuss each procedure with your dentist, its anticipated length of time, and any potential problems that could arise having the procedure performed. Having a discussion with your dentist creates a realistic timetable and outcome assessment related to your oral health care. I encourage you to explore and apply the techniques outlined above to increase your chances of receiving a discounted dental plan or a dental procedure performed at very little or no cost. Ready to find a dental school that may offer a low cost discounted dental plan? Okay – Click on the Dental Clinics button to begin or use the search tool below to locate a dental school clinic in your state. Return to Top - Discounted Dental Plan The Dental Patient Guide Dental Referral Services List of Dental Schools Free Dental Work Resources Dental Insurance About Dental Plans View List of All Dental Plans Get Free Dental Insurance Quotes Return Home This Website was compiled using a variety of resources and is not intended to substitute or replace the professional advice or treatment that you receive from your dentist or physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and is not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care practitioner with any questions or concerns you may have regarding oral health conditions. |
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