What to Do If Your Child Needs Dental Care and You Don’t Have Insurance

A mother and father sit on the couch with their child who's holding a toothbrush after seeing a pediatric dentist in las vegas.

Ensuring your child receives proper dental care is essential to develop proper oral health care habits. Additionally, regular checkups help identify potential problems before they become major issues, like toothaches and cavities. Yet, it may seem worrisome when you need child dental care services but do not have insurance. Fortunately, you are not alone, and there are several viable options to make sure your child’s teeth get the care they need.

Option # 1: Dental Payment Plan

Most dental offices will offer some sort of dental payment plan when you do not have child dental insurance. With this option, you are required to pay a portion of the initial balance for pediatric dental services. Then, the remaining balance is broken down into equal payments to fit your budget. In some instances, there may be a small service fee added to each installment payment.

Option # 2: Dental Credit Cards

Another option to cover the costs of your child’s dental care is with a dental credit card. CareCredit and iCare are popular choices. They may also offer no-interest financing options when the cost is over a set amount, giving you time to pay off the balance interest-free. 

Before you apply for a dental credit card, it is best to check with the pediatric dentist to find out what dental credit cards they accept.

Option # 3: Children’s Health Insurance Program

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a low-cost health insurance program for families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but do not earn enough to afford insurance. CHIP not only covers dental visits but also doctor visits, prescriptions, and vision care.

Option # 4: Dental Promotions

It is possible to find affordable dental care through various dental promotions available from different dental offices. If you have a preferred dentist you want your child to see, contact their office directly and ask about any special promotions, offers, or deals.

Option # 5: Dental Clinics

Many major cities have at least one dental clinic operated by a non-profit organization that offers free or discounted dental services for people without dental insurance. However, they usually only offer routine dental care and emergency dental services.

Option # 6: Dental Schools

If you have a dental school in your city, you could call and find out if they run a dental clinic. These clinics allow dental students the opportunity to work with actual patients and are supervised by licensed dentists and dental hygienists. In return, they offer patients discounted dental care and, in some cases, free dental care.

Option # 7: Annual Dental Memberships

Annual dental memberships are becoming very popular for people and families without dental insurance. You pay a yearly membership fee and a small fee for each additional member you want to add.

In return, you get select dental services for free and others at a discounted rate. You could also combine an annual dental membership with another option, like using your dental credit card to pay for the discounted services.

Option # 8: Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans are similar to dental memberships but offered through major insurance providers. Many of these plans also cover orthodontic treatments, like braces. It would be best to compare the discounts you get to those available with a dental membership to determine which one will provide you with the best discounts.

Affordable Pediatric Dental Care Without Insurance

You do have several different options for affordable dental costs without insurance to ensure your child can see a pediatric dentist in Las Vegas. Whether they need temporary tooth fillings in baby teeth, braces, or routine cleanings, it is possible to ensure your child gets the dental care they need.

How Much Is A Child’s Dental Cleaning Without Insurance?

The average cost of a child’s regular dental cleaning without insurance can range from $50 to $200, depending on where you live.

Can I Buy Dental Insurance For My Child?

Yes, you can purchase dental insurance for your child. Most dental insurance plans offer coverage for a variety of services, including regular cleanings and preventive care. For example, the average cost of dental insurance in Nevada for a family is about $43 a month.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Child Braces?

Yes, most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of braces. Check with your health insurance provider or orthodontist to find out what type of coverage is available and how much they will pay for your child’s orthodontic treatment.

How To Get Dental Care Without Insurance?

When you need dental care, like dental implants, without insurance, contact the dental office and ask if they have any discounts for people without insurance, or use one of the other options previously mentioned.

Can I Get Dental Insurance Without A Job?

Yes, you can get dental insurance without a job. Many insurance providers offer stand-alone dental plans for children and families. You may also qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, depending on your financial situation.

Affordable Dental Care In Las Vegas And Reno

A pediatric dentist smiling in reno, nevada.

When looking for affordable dental care for your family in Las Vegas and Reno, look no further than Absolute Dental. We provide access to affordable family dentists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, cosmetic dentists, and other dental professionals.

We also offer different promotions, our Smile Saver annual dental membership, and other options to ensure you and your child can take advantage of our in-office and teledentistry services for healthy teeth and gums.

Sources:

Nevada Dental Insurance Guide 2023. (2023).

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  

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About the Author

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Dr. Joan Landron

Currently serving the community at Absolute Dental since August 2008, Dr. Joan Landron graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1997.

She further honed her skills with a general practice residency at Metropolitan Hospital and underwent specialized training at New York University’s Implant Program for General Practitioners. Specializing in services such as X-rays, examinations, cleanings, crowns, and more, Dr. Landron brings a comprehensive approach to general and cosmetic dentistry, including implants.

A proud member of the American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and Southern Nevada Dental Association, she cherishes her free time by spending moments with family, reading, and maintaining her health through exercise. Dr. Landron takes immense pride in being a part of the Absolute Dental team and is dedicated to her patients at the Absolute Dental – Nellis in Las Vegas, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

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