How do people afford to go to the dentist?

Why dental costs add up

Routine care, such as exams, cleanings and X-rays, is usually the least expensive part of dentistry. Costs climb with larger treatments such as crowns, root canals and implants, which involve more time, more materials and more visits. Dental costs also tend to rise with the cost of equipment, materials and staffing.

The good news is that routine care is the thing that helps you avoid larger bills. Our preventive care visits are built around that idea. A small cavity is far easier and cheaper to treat than a tooth that needs a root canal or removal.

Dental insurance

Insurance is the most common way people pay for care. Most plans cover preventive visits at a high level and cover part of fillings and other treatment. Plans differ in their annual maximums, waiting periods and exclusions, and many limit or exclude implants. Reading the details of your plan is worth the time.

Our Stamford office is in network with a long list of plans and also accepts Medicaid through HUSKY Health for children and adults. Our Mount Kisco and Kent offices accept many plans too, with different lists. Please call so we can verify your benefits. We give you a written estimate before treatment that separates what insurance is expected to pay from what you would pay. See insurance and financing for each office's plans.

Payment plans and financing

If treatment costs more than your coverage or your budget allows, financing lets you spread the cost over time. All three of our offices offer Cherry payment plans, with 0% financing for 12 to 18 months for qualified applicants and no hard credit check to see if you qualify. We can also talk through a personal arrangement that fits your treatment plan.

Before you agree to any plan, check the interest rate, any promotional period and the monthly payment. A payment you can keep up with is better than a larger one you cannot.

HSA and FSA accounts

Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts let you set aside pretax money for health costs, and dental treatment usually qualifies. Check the rules with your plan administrator. If you have an FSA, find out the deadline for using the funds, so that money does not go unused.

New patient specials

Our Stamford office offers a $150 new patient special that includes a thorough cleaning, a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays. Mount Kisco and Kent have their own new patient special. These offers cannot be combined with dental insurance, and eligibility is confirmed by the office.

Community and training options

Some people turn to community dental clinics, which may base fees on income, or to dental school and dental hygiene programs, where students are supervised by licensed professionals and prices are lower. These can be good options if you are able to be flexible about time. Services and availability vary, so call ahead.

Start with a plan, not a guess

The most useful step is to learn your options before you commit. A written estimate, a look at your benefits and a conversation about payment cost nothing to ask for. Do not skip care because of a fear of the number. Tell the office what you can manage, and let them help you find a path.