Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts

• Check with your employer to see whether or not a healthcare flexible spending account (HFSA) is offered as part of your benefits package. Such accounts deduct a set amount of money that you assign from your paycheck, usually once per month. This money is deducted pretax, and then set aside in your HFSA until you need it. Since you are not taxed on the income you place in this account, it saves you money. Be aware that most such accounts have a deadline by which you must use all money in them, usually shortly after the end of each calendar year.
  
  

Credit

• Your dental care provider may have in-house financing available for qualified patients. Next time you are at your dentist's office, ask for any information tit might have. Additionally, some banks such as Citibank and Chase have healthcare-specific credit cards available that can be used for dental expenses as well. Terms on these cards vary, but may allow you competitive interest rates and the ability to pay for unexpectedly necessary dental procedures over time.
  
  

Discount Plans

• Like warehouse store subscriptions, discount dental plans allow you to purchase membership in an organization that sends you a card. By using a dental care provider that has agreed to their terms, you save money off the regular cost of services through that provider. Exact amounts saved vary by plan and provider. Comparison of discount plans is essential to save yourself the most money.
  
  

Dental Schools

• If you have local schools for dentists and dental hygienists in your area, check to see if they are accepting patients. Tomorrow's fully licensed dentists need hands-on experience, and in return, you can get the care you need at reduced rates. These students are supervised by fully licensed and accredited dentists and hygienists as they work on patients. If you are uncomfortable with letting students work on you, faculty and post-graduate students may also have clinic hours available at these schools.
  
  

Free Or Low-Cost Programs

• If you have no health insurance but require dental care, many states and local communities offer free or low-cost medical and dental programs. These programs usually have very low or no co-pays, but do require you to meet certain financial eligibility requirements before you qualify. Some programs rely on the most current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines in establishing their criteria for eligibility. Use the search terms "free or low cost dental care" and the name of your state, town and county to find local programs that can assist you.