How to Receive Inexpensive Dental Care at an Accredited Dental School

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Receive Inexpensive Dental Care at an Accredited Dental School

Tight on cash and in need of an expensive dental procedure? Consider visiting a clinic at a local dental school to receive substantial discounts on routine dental care and more advanced treatment options. Dental students providing services at these clinics are in their final years of training and are closely supervised and assisted by full-time and part-time faculty and staff. Save 50% or more on your next dental visit by using the tips below to locate a dental clinic near you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Visit the American Dental Association's website (www.ada.org) to find an accredited dental school in the United States. When you reach the homepage, click on the Dental Schools link under the Dental Professional section to review a state-by-state listing of US dental education programs. To search for an accredited dental school in Canada, visit the website for the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (www.cda-adc.ca/cdacweb/en/).
Step 2

When you have located a dental education program in you area, click on the school's web address and search for information on becoming a patient at the institution's dental clinic. Most programs will offer services ranging from preventive dental care to general dentistry and advanced treatment options. Common procedures performed at a dental clinic include routine cleanings and exams, fillings, root canals, and bridgework.
Step 3

Call the dental clinic to make an appointment for an initial visit. During your first visit, you will typically undergo a screening examination and discuss your treatment options with a dental instructor and a student dentist. If the clinic is unable to assign you to a dental student, the program will usually refer you to a graduate specialty clinic or a faculty practice.
Step 4

Once you are accepted as a patient, a thorough dental examination will be conducted and you will receive information about your treatment plan and the costs associated with the proposed procedures. If you have a dental insurance plan, the clinic should be able to work closely with you and your dental insurance carrier to ensure that you will receive the maximum allowable benefit. Some dental clinics also offer monthly payment plans with approved credit. Be sure to ask whether this option is available if you can't afford to pay for your services upfront.
Step 5

Remember to be patient and to treat your student dentist with the utmost respect during your visit. Feel free to ask questions about your diagnosis, procedures, and any follow up instructions. Keep in mind that dental students will usually require additional time to deliver care and complete procedures.
Step 6

If you would prefer to receive care from an experienced dentist but lack dental insurance coverage, consider purchasing a discount dental plan to save 10%-60% on most dental services. Discount dental plans can cost as little as $80 per year. Remember to visit a site like Dental Plan Detective (www.dentalplandetective.com), which allows you to compare discount dental plans side by side.

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andrei1007 said

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