Low-cost dental care: ways to find affordable treatment

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Dental treatment does not have to mean paying full private-practice prices. Several kinds of programs exist specifically to lower the cost, and many people qualify for more than one. The options below are listed roughly from the most widely available to the most occasional.

1. Community health centers

Federally funded health centers charge on a sliding scale based on household income and family size, and many of them run dental clinics. You do not need insurance to be seen. Use the official HRSA Find a Health Center tool, enter your address, and look for locations that list dental services.

Browse community health centers by state to find sliding-fee clinics near you.

2. Dental school clinics

Accredited dental schools treat the public in teaching clinics, where students work under the supervision of licensed faculty dentists. Fees are usually lower than in private offices, but appointments take longer and there may be a screening visit and a waiting list.

3. Medicaid and CHIP

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid cover dental care for eligible children, and many states also cover some dental care for adults. Check eligibility for your family on InsureKidsNow.gov (choose your state), and find a dentist who accepts these plans with its Dentist Locator.

4. Free clinic events

Volunteer events such as state Mission of Mercy clinics offer free cleanings, fillings and extractions for one or two days, first come, first served. See our free dental clinic events list.

5. Know the typical price before you go

If you are paying yourself, ask for a written estimate and compare it with typical charges in your area using FAIR Health's dental cost lookup. Many offices also offer in-house membership plans or payment plans; ask what is included and whether interest applies.