How to Get Discounted Dental Care Through a Dental School

Are you needing extensive dental treatment but don't have thousands of dollars to spend? Are you looking for affordable dental care? You can obtain dental care at a discount through dental schools by dentists in training!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer and Internet'
• Phone
• Lots of time
• Car
• A Commitment to Better Your Oral Health
• Money (Cash or Credit Card)

1. Did you neglect your oral hygiene for years? Or are you just more susceptible to dental problems and are needing extensive dental treatment? Can you not afford to pay it through a private dentist? One option is to get treatment through a local dental school. You will be under the care of a dental student or faculty member. All students are well supervised.

2. Visit http://www.dentalsite.com/dentists/densch.html or http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/search_ddsdmd_us.asp to find a local dental school close to you. If it is more than a day's drive away from you, it might not be worth it, but it is still an option to consider.

3. Visit the dental website and look for information on a dental school clinic.

4. Read on the website for more details about become a patient, and the requeirements. You must expect the treatment to take longer than it would at a private dentist. You must have the time available. In most cases you will have to pay for the discounted treatment upfront, though most will accept credit cards.

5. Contact the dental clinic and arrange to apply to become a patient. Be sure you completely understand the requirements and costs.

6. If you simply cannot afford to pay for any treatment, call 211 for social service referrals for dental treatment. (Click on the link below.)

Tips & Warnings

• You must be able to make the time commitment, as the appointments might be long and the treatment will take a little longer than usual.

Resources

• Dental School Listing

[starlet67]

on 5/25/2009 Great idea for saving on dental care!5*

[CCrock]

on 4/30/2009 I did this when I was a kid...my dad was a med student and money was tight so the 5 kids went to the university for cleaning. My only complaint was that it took SOOO long! They put this thing in my mouth to hold it open, then she was like "I'll be right back I have to ask my professor a question"..it seemed like half an hour I sat there with my mouth jammed open! lol. Every little step took forever because each time she had to get someone to watch or monitor what she was doing...and that person had to keep checking all the students working so it was a long day to day the least...BUT a great option if you don't have dental!