If you’ve been to the dentist in recent years, you may be wondering why a simple visit costs more than a trip to your doctor. In fact, the national average cost for a routine dental exam is about $203, but can easily be more than $300, according to CareCredit. Further, a single crown or root canal can set you back $1,500 or more.
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So what can you do to keep your smile healthy while on a budget? Below is a look at some ways to save and why the dentist may charge more than you expect.
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Reasons for Pricey Procedures
“Patients often ask me why dentistry is so expensive and the truth is that the system is stacked against them,” said Catrise Austin, DDS, celebrity cosmetic dentist of VIP Smiles Dentistry, PLLC and host of the “Let’s Talk Smiles” podcast. “Insurance benefits haven’t kept pace with costs, while the price of delivering high-quality care keeps rising.”
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Specifically, Dr. Austin pointed to a few reasons why dental care is costly.
- Limited insurance coverage: Most dental plans still cap annual benefits at $1,000 to $2,000. Plans usually only cover 50% to 80 % of procedures beyond routine cleanings, leaving patients to shoulder the rest.
- Rising practice expenses: Delivering top-notch dentistry requires sophisticated equipment, lab services, sterilization and trained staff. Many dentists also graduate with significant student loan debt, adding to overhead.
- Inflation and supply costs: Supplies, lab fees and labor costs are surging, so even simple procedures cost more.
6 Key Ways To Save
Costs may be rising, but here are six expert-backed ways to save and still take care of your oral health. These may actually be easier than you think.
Stay Current on Routine Services
Per Dr. Austin, one way to save is to prioritize prevention. “Regular cleanings and checkups are far cheaper than crowns or root canals,” Dr. Austin said.
Join a Membership
Another way to save is to look into membership and savings plans. Many dental offices offer membership plans that bundle cleanings and exams for a fixed annual fee and discount other services.
Shop Around
You may also save significant savings by shopping around for coverage, leveraging community dental resources and using FSA dollars to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Use In-Network Providers
According to Marguerita Cheng, certified financial planner (CFP) and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, you can also save money by staying within your insurance network when choosing dentists.
Be Aware of Any Changes and ‘Bunch’ Payments
Cheng also suggested monitoring any changes in your insurance plans and potentially “bunching” expenses.
“My daughter’s orthodontist gave me a $600 discount because I asked if I could pay for the remaining amount of her treatment,” she said. “I wanted to use my FSA balance and bunch my medical expenses. I had two family members have orthodontic treatment at the time.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Why Is the Dentist So Pricey? 6 Ways To Save
