Hi everyone.
My husband went on layoff from GM in January and we lost our dental benefits. In the past week I have broke a tooth and know I will probably need a crown, but do NOT have the $600 its going to cost.
Does anyone have any ideas for cheap dental coverage...or a dentist that will work with someone who is on layoff???? Im thinking I NEED to get to a dentist ASAP!!!
Please help...I look forward to your responses.
Thank you so much!!! :)
Sorry to hear about the layoff. I know that dental schools offer either very cheap or free services so that the dental students can get practice. You might want to try that if you don't find anything else. Something is better than nothing so you don't lose the tooth completely. That is when you start running into big expenses for implants, bridges...
Good luck to you. I'll say a prayer that work comes his way soon.
L.
D.
Explain to the situation to your dentist. I am sure he would rather keep your business on a monthly payment plan than have you go to another dentist.
Dentists are having a rough time right now for the very reason you are in this situation...people have lost their coverage and are just 'not getting work done'. If someone can put off a dental issue, they will..and there are a ton of people in that situation right now. Dentists' cosmetic sales have also dropped dramatically, so they are happy to get any business they can (even if it means monthly payments).
The dental school at UofM in Ann Arbor provides dental services at very reduced rates. They also offer financing. My sister has used it several times since she is on a very low income. The major drawback is that it can be a long appointment because it is dental students that are doing the work and they are supervised, so that really slows things down. There is also a dental school at the Univ of Detroit. They may provide similar services.
My dad and sister are dentists, so I know how expensive this type of treatment can get. The dental schools are a great option, but like another mom said the appointments can get very lengthy because the work needs to be checked by professors frequently.
Another option that many offices are now offering is something called Care Credit. It is basically a credit card for health care expenses. You can qualify for up to 18 months interest free financing so you can pay over time. The application process is similar to a credit card, so some people do get declined if their credit is poor.
I hope this is helpful.
Not sure where you live, but if you are near Ann Arbor the Univerisities dental school has a clinic for really cheep. Your dentist will be a dental student, but they are really good and have supervision. Hope this helps, there is nothing worse then dental pains.
I don't know where your located, but I don't have dental insurance and I go to Dr. Mark Laszlo in Waterford. He did a root canal and crown with me making monthly payments to him. He is VERY nice and understanding of circumstances!
Call 1-800-DENTIST. They might be able to direct you to a dentist with payment plans. Hey my son out in Arizona had some rather extensive stuff done. About 10 times the price you're concerned about, and as he has no insurance either, they're doing a payment plan with him.
Whatever works. But try that number. Otherwise you can try the dentists at Sears.
I too would check with your Dentist, maybe he can bond it temporatily to help you out cost wise. We too have no medical & dental coverage. We were thinking of looking at u of d dental. Cleanings alone are pricey w/no insurance. They dont give you a break without insurance. I would talk to yours to see if he can work with you.
Good Luck
