Every child needs to see a dentist and have a regular dental schedule by the time they are 1 year of age. However, routine dental treatment can be costly, and for parents with multiple children, being able to afford dental care can be a worry.
But there are ways for you to reduce the cost of dentist visits for your kids. Read on to learn how.
Dental Insurance for Kids
There are multiple options when it comes to dental insurance for kids, so it’s important to find coverage that works for you. Most plans will include regular dental checkups, which your child should need every 6 months at a minimum. For the cost of the monthly premium payment, you will be covered for a set amount of treatment per year for your child, which can include emergency treatment, orthodontics, and more.
Medicaid or CHIP
Medicaid or CHIP (children’s health insurance programs) are state-run programs that offer assistance to low-income families. You will need to meet specific financial requirements to qualify for this type of assistance; however, it is always worth looking to see if you qualify to help reduce the cost of dental treatments for children. Regular checkups, x-rays, cleaning, extractions, and fillings are a few of the treatment options covered by Medicaid.
Luckily, around 43% of dentists in the US take Medicaid, so you should still be able to find a provider in your local area to register with via these programs.
Dental Savings Plans
Dental savings plans are very similar to dental instances but don’t require you to wait around for the funds to be clear or for paperwork and applications to be approved. You need to shop around for dental savings plans much like you would insurance plans, as various options are available.
These types of plans are available at different price points and coverage requirements, so it is important you find one that works for your needs and budget so you can afford the treatment your child might need. You might be able to benefit from additional benefits or discounts exclusively for these types of savings plans.
Dental Schools
Dental schools are schools where dental students train, and they often offer services with trainee dentists for reduced costs, making it more affordable for people. All students will be supervised by fully qualified dentists, meaning you don’t have to worry about not receiving proper care.
Not only will you be getting the treatment and advice you need for your child or even yourself, but you will also be helping to train future dentists and support ongoing training and development in this area. The fee schedules can vary from school to school or even for the type of student you see, so always ask beforehand how much it will cost so you know what to expect when you come to pay.
Practice Healthy Habits
This should go without saying, but practicing healthy habits each day when it comes to the mouth and teeth will help you reduce the number of dental visits you need to make and the treatments you need for them. Brushing teeth twice daily, drinking water after eating, flossing, reducing sugary treats and drinks, and using fluoride products can all be instrumental in helping you to support a healthy mouth for your child, and instilling healthy oral habits in them can be an excellent way of helping you to keep dental costs down.