Good overall health depends on good oral health, but for millions of people, the cost of dental insurance–or even getting services under insurance–is an expense they simply can’t afford, and that is if they have access to it all. However, there are alternatives to dental insurance, such as financing and health savings accounts, that can help make getting quality dental care more affordable.
According to America’s Health Rankings, Arizona ranks 40th in the nation for the percentage of adults who report visiting a dentist within the last year, primarily due to cost. This is especially true among low-income adults, who also report more oral health problems and more social-emotional problems related to their poor oral health. Nearly 40% of people without dental coverage don’t have it either because they can’t afford the monthly payment, or they cannot afford the additional out-of-pocket costs associated with care.
These barriers to care present real problems for the oral health of Arizonans and their children, the latter who have, on average, five teeth affected by tooth decay, three times higher than the national average. When people can’t see a way to afford quality routine dental care, they are less likely to seek care for themselves or their children, or accept the treatments they need for good oral health. This allows small problems like enamel erosion or early decay to become bigger and more costly conditions that compromise health and well-being.
Dental Depot of Arizona is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable dental care to patients of all ages in and around the Phoenix area, regardless of their financial situation. We offer the latest in advanced technology, imaging, and diagnostics in all of our state-of-the-art facilities, delivered with a compassionate, commonsense approach to care. What’s more, our friendly, welcoming staff is experienced in helping patients navigate the nuances of dental insurance, payment options, and financing so that you and your family can get the care you deserve, even without dental insurance.
Despite the prevalence of dental insurance, it’s not the only option out there to help you afford quality dental care; rather, it’s just one of a number of ways that you can make the care you need fit within the budget you have. Taking care of your oral health is an investment that you make today for a better, healthier tomorrow.
When it comes to dental care, financing can be a valuable resource for managing costs, whether for routine check-ups or more extensive treatments. Major procedures like root canals or oral surgeries can be expensive, and it’s not always easy to have that kind of money readily available. Fortunately, options like CareCredit and Alphaeon, as well as in-house financing plans offered by many dental offices, can help spread out these costs over time. While financing doesn’t reduce the overall cost of treatment, it allows you to break it into smaller, more manageable payments, making it easier to get the care you need without financial strain.
If your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), this can be another helpful way to manage the costs of dental care. FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax money specifically for healthcare expenses, including dental treatments. While FSAs don’t directly lower the cost of procedures, they let you use more of your income toward healthcare by avoiding taxes on these contributions.
If you have an FSA, it’s worth checking with your dentist to see if they accept direct payments from this account. Many offices, including Dental Depot of Arizona, may provide an out-of-pocket estimate that you can cover with your FSA funds, making it easier to plan for future dental needs.
For those seeking affordable dental care, local clinics and dental schools are excellent options. Dental Depot of Arizona participates in community outreach events, providing low-cost or free dental care to at-risk or uninsured patients. Additionally, dental schools in the area often have clinics where students, supervised by experienced dentists, offer services at reduced rates. These are great ways to access affordable care while contributing to student training.
Taking care of your oral health–as well as that of your family–is important, and you should never be embarrassed about not knowing how to pay for it. At Dental Depot of Arizona, we work with hundreds of patients from all walks of life and all financial backgrounds and, as a dental service organization, we have the flexibility to work with our patients one-on-one to make our services fit your individual needs.
At Dental Depot of Arizona, we prioritize your oral health and understand that some treatments come with a significant cost. However, you can be confident that, here, your dentist will only recommend treatments that are necessary for preserving your dental health. And if cost is a concern, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your dentist. We’re here to help you navigate financing options, insurance plans, FSAs, and more, and can even work with you to phase treatments in a way that fits your budget.
By being upfront about your financial concerns, we can find solutions that allow you to maintain your oral health without added stress.
As part of our commitment to providing quality, comprehensive dental care services for you and your family at an affordable price, Dental Depot of Arizona is proud to include AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid program, on our list of accepted insurances.
As of March 13, 2024, AHCCCS members 21 years of age and older receive comprehensive dental coverage up to $1,000 per year, while members under 21 years old receive coverage that includes routine dental care and exams, preventive care like fluoride application and dental sealants, emergency dental services, and medically necessary dental services.
Dental Depot is committed to meeting the dental needs of Arizonans in the greater Phoenix area. That’s why we accept AHCCCS/Medicaid at all of our Arizona locations. With nearly 2.5 million of our friends and neighbors relying on AHCCCS to meet their medical and dental needs, Dental Depot of Arizona stands ready to deliver the exceptional care and compassionate service our communities need for good oral health that lasts a lifetime. Our experienced staff will work with you to navigate the AHCCCS program, determine your AHCCCS benefits, and help you understand what is covered. We’ll also help you complete any necessary paperwork to receive the care you need and deserve.
Dental Depot of Arizona is a doctor-owned dental support organization (DSO) and family-owned business. This means that, in addition to continuing Dental Depot’s nearly 50-year legacy of providing high-quality dental care with superior customer service, we’re able to deliver our services with a personal touch and at a common-sense price. We work with every patient individually to offer the care they need to preserve their health as well as an array of options to help make that care affordable. This approach, combined with multiple locations and easy, flexible scheduling, has helped make Dental Depot of Arizona one of the leading dental providers in the Phoenix area.
Everyone deserves exceptional dental care that fits their budget and their busy schedule, and at Dental Depot of Arizona, that is precisely what drives us. Schedule an appointment today to find out how Dental Depot of Arizona can help you and everyone in your family take care of your oral and overall health, even without insurance.
