Tricks to tame dental bills, insured or not

Nearly half of Americans lack dental insurance, and every visit carries the threat of a bill for thousands of dollars.

Even those with insurance can face steep costs for major work.

Patients often have to pay about 50 percent of the bill after meeting their plan's deductible.

On top of that, many plans also have limits of about $1,500 for how much they will pay in a year, and some insurers won't cover pricey procedures like a dental implant.

Here are a few tricks for saving money and trying to manage dental work costs:

Can I negotiate a bill with my dentist?

If you have insurance coverage, the dentist has already shaved 10 percent to 15 percent off his price in order to get into the insurer's network, so don't expect another discount on top of that.

If you don't have insurance, you might have some wiggle room on the price, as long as you negotiate before you have the care done.

That's when you still have the power to take your business elsewhere.

Are there discount cards or other coverage options available for the uninsured?

Some practices are so big they offer their own dental plans that give patients discounts in exchange for monthly premiums. Dentists also can connect patients with a third-party to set up a payment plan, which will tack on interest and other fees.

Some insurers and companies that form dental networks offer discount cards. Patients should learn how the discounts apply and make sure their dentist participates.

What about care from dental students?

Dental schools charge less for care ranging from a routine cleaning to root canals or even oral surgery.

The Indiana University School of Dentistry, for instance, charges half what a private dentist might charge for preventive care like a cleaning. Students also do filings, crowns, bridges and dentures under instructor supervision.

The tradeoff for these discounts is time. Students generally work slower than dentists, and supervisors must check their work.

What are some other money-saving options?

Overseas dental clinics, some of which cater to foreign customers, can offer care at a fraction of U.S. costs.

But follow-up care can be tricky, the patient needs time off work to travel and liability issues can be cloudy if something goes wrong.

Some dentists also are open to bartering too, where a patient can trade a skill like Web design for care.

Bill proposes new dental care provider

A bill up for discussion in both the Kansas Senate and House could create a new mid-level dental care provider to combat a statewide shortage of dentists.

House Bill 2280 and Senate Bill 192 would put in place a foundation for registered dental practitioners to perform some basic dental services. The new care provider would function similarly to the role physician assistants provide in the medical field.

Shannon Costoradis, president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children, which is advocating for the legislation, said 91 Kansas counties have some form of a dental shortage with 14 counties having no dentists at all.

"Right now, it's an issue that primarily affects the uninsured," she said. "But in a few years, it will affect all of us, even those of us who have private dental insurance."

The move to enact a mid-level of dental care is being sponsored by the Kansas Dental Project, which consists of the Kansas Action for Children, the Primary Care Association of Kansas and the Kansas Health Consumer Coalition.

The proposed dental practitioners would provide services such as fillings, drilling, basic restorative care and extractions of baby teeth and already loose permanent teeth, leaving the most complex services to dentists and oral surgeons.

Kansas is among seven states considering a new classification of dental provider to fight the national shortage of dentists. Alaska already has a similar program, calling the providers dental health aide therapists.

As proposed, the practitioners would have to first complete an associate-level dental hygiene program at one of the state's five colleges offering that coursework. Kansas' model would require the practitioners to take on an additional 12 to 18 months of education from the dental hygiene institution before receiving a practitioner's license from the Kansas Dental Board.

To ensure that dental care is delivered to the areas with the greatest shortage, the dental practitioners would be required to practice in a designated shortage area, a safety net clinic or a correctional facility. They would be required to work 500 hours under the direct supervision of a dentist before working under general supervision.

Uninsured to Receive Free Dental Assistance

Free Dental Assistance Report — Free Dental Sealant Day – San Angelo Dentist Offers Sweet Spot For Community. Pan De Vida provides pancakes, services for Sun Valley Estates. Dental assistance and oral health education are part of Give Kids a Smile event. Etobicoke dentist donating assistance for second year. Openings Remain For Dental assistance.

Free Dental Sealant Day – San Angelo Dentist Offers Sweet Spot For Community

San Angelo pediatric dentist Kelly Sawyer, DDS, offers free dental assistance to children of the local community on February 18th. Pediatric Dentistry of San Angelo is hosting the third annual free sealant day this Friday, February 18th, at 3013 W. Loop 306 in San Angelo. Services are being offered to children ages 6-18 years. This special community service is offered to families who do not have insurance coverage in an effort to help local children maintain good oral health and prevent decay.

This free dental sealant day is sponsored by the Concho Valley Dental Hygiene Association. Dr. Sawyer hosts and supervises the entire day – with dental professionals from various local offices coming in to provide community kids with the sealant care they need.