Affordable Care: How Visiting A Dental School Could Get You Discounted Dental Work
The high cost of dental procedures, regardless of length or complexity, often creates a financial barrier for patients seeking treatment. A more cost-effective alternative to traditional dentist visits is seeking oral care from dental students, as they are often eager to practice their skills on real patients for a fraction of the price. During their training, students begin performing a wide range of preventative and restorative procedures. From cleanings to root canals, patients without comprehensive insurance can receive the care they need without a hefty bill.
1: The Scope of Treatment
Dental schools are able to perform a variety of procedures that span all dental specialities. For example, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University provides root canal therapy, diagnosis and surgical treatment, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, tooth replacements via implants, corrective appliances/braces, pediatric care, treatment for periodontal disease, and restoration of dental structures such as crowns, bridges, or dentures at the hands of its students. Even for patients just looking for a place to receive routine cleanings, dental schools can provide them. Essentially, these facilities can administer as much or as little dental work as a patient may need.
Typically, all that is needed to receive dental care via a dental school is a scheduled appointment and an intention. In most cases, a one-time new patient fee is charged, with the price of this fee depending on the school. On the day of a patient’s appointment, a dentist-in-training (and a supervisor) will review and discuss the patient’s medical history, reason for the visit, and expectations for any procedure(s) they may receive. Because a lot of information needs to be covered when working with a dental student, it’s common for these appointments to last 2-3 hours. But, for repeat patients, the money saved on dental work often outweighs the extra hour or two spent in the chair.
2: Price Comparison by Procedure
In addition to being a one-stop-shop for all oral health needs, dental schools operate at a fraction of the price charged by private practices. Reportedly, the Comprehensive Care Clinic at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine charges up to 50% lower fees than private practices in the area, accepting (but not requiring) most dental insurances. Considering that nearly 90% of American adults between 20-64 have tooth decay substantial enough to require fillings and that the cost of a comprehensive oral exam falls between $100-$200, discounts of this magnitude can encourage patients to take the steps necessary to maintain good oral health.
Below you will find a comparison of average procedure prices charged by private practices versus that of two accredited U.S. dental schools:
*varies based on material used and/or number of teeth worked on.
**complete denture on the upper arch.
Note: This list is incomplete because each school’s website does not disclose the cost of every procedure they provide. Use this link to contact an accredited American dental school near you and inquire about their offered procedure costs.
3: Addressing Hesitation
The truth is, being treated by a dentist-in-training will always be more affordable than a full-time dentist, as students are not yet licensed. However, student work doesn’t necessarily mean worse quality: In fact, appointments with dental students will often take longer than those with a practicing dentist since student procedures are always performed under the watchful eyes of certified instructors. If any part of a procedure may require additional assistance, there will always be faculty around to step in.
In addition to being longer than a typical dentist appointment, it’s important to note this dental experience will be less personal than a trip to a general dentist. A patient will have to reiterate their medical information before any procedure and is unlikely to be treated by the same student twice. Ultimately, at a dental school, the experience will lack familiarity. Yet, with passion and charisma, it is likely dental students will work hard to prioritize patient comfortability as a thank you for contributing to their educational experience.
Some patients may not mind working with a new dentist each visit, but are more concerned with payment or insurance logistics that cover the cost of procedures provided by dental schools. Although most insurance policies and government assistance programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover the cost of dental work administered through a school, patients may be required to cover services upfront. Often, patients will be reimbursed through insurance claims; however, depending on where treatment was received, dental schools may even submit insurance claims on behalf of their patients (such is the case at Marquette University School of Dentistry). Ultimately, service and reimbursement policies differ across insurance companies. Patients should contact their providers before treatment to ensure a stress-free experience.
4: Eligibility
Receiving reduced or free dental care by accredited dental schools varies based on a variety of factors including income, age, disability, and military status. For instance, low income individuals covered by Medicaid and other state assistance programs are often eligible for dental services upon proving their income status. Children in the United States also qualify for assisted dental care through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by covering those in families that don’t qualify for Medicaid or private insurance. Seniors can also qualify for discounted dental care via dental schools by demonstrating low-income or their enrollment in Medicare/Medicaid. Disabled individuals, pregnant women, and veterans may also qualify for assisted dental care if they receive government assistance and/or can prove low income status. To determine the extent to which you may qualify, research accredited dental schools in your area and inquire about their eligibility requirements.
5. Alternative Options
If a patient does not qualify for government assistance, or dental school prices are still out of their preferred price range, they may seek dental care from free, nonprofit clinics in their area. For example, many states across the nation hold annual Mission of Mercy (MOM) clinics where students, hygienists, and dentists alike provide free dental procedures for all in attendance. Here, uninsured or underinsured individuals can receive the dental care they need without having to cover the cost of treatment.
Although the list of offered procedures varies based on the MOM, most clinics provide cleanings, x-rays, root canals of the front teeth, tooth extractions, and oral health examinations. To prepare for a MOM clinic, patients should bring copies of their medical histories and lists of the current medications they take. Due to the volume of people that attend each year, patients should expect to spend most of the day at the clinic waiting to be treated, as the clinics operate on a first-come/first-serve basis.
Each year, the Illinois Mission of Mercy intends to provide $1 million in free dental care to 2,000 patients over the span of two days, which is made possible by the ~1,000 staff members who consistently volunteer their time and labor. Each participating state establishes a similar goal for their MOM clinic in hopes of treating as many patients as possible and improving the oral health of their community. Click here to discover a Mission of Mercy clinic near you.
6. Conclusion
Rather than neglecting a semiannual cleaning or much-needed tooth extraction, care for your pearly whites by taking advantage of the multitude of services dental schools provide. In addition to being a cost-effective solution to the financial barriers associated with private practices, dental schools provide a comprehensive range of high-quality procedures under the close supervision of certified professionals. Eligibility for reduced or free dental care varies, but government assistance programs and initiatives aim to bridge gaps in access. Although we advocate for dental school treatment, we also suggest exploring nonprofit clinics like Mission of Mercy for free primary dental care as well. By leveraging these avenues, you can prioritize your oral health without compromising on quality or affordability, ultimately ensuring proper access to the care you deserve.
