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FDA Warns of People Abusing Their Pets’ Opioid Prescription

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pet owners opioid abuse
In 2015, the opioid crisis cost the American economy an estimated $504 billion, or 2.8% of the GDP. Although many government agencies are working diligently to get this problem under control, people are finding loopholes and new ways to access these seriously addictive drugs. Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that individuals may be abusing their pets’ opioid prescription.

The ongoing opioid crisis results in more than 1,000 emergency room visits and 115 deaths every day in the United States. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has been working with physicians to place more strict rules on opioids. However, he is now asking veterinarians to join the efforts as well.

According to a paper recently published in the American Journal of Public Health, 189 vets in Colorado completed an online survey. Of these, 13% reported being aware that an animal’s owner had intentionally made an animal ill or injured an animal to get an opioid prescription. Forty-four percent reported knowing of opioid abuse or misuse by a staff member or client and 12% were aware of a staff member abusing opioids.

Gottlieb responded to these findings by asking vets to help ensure that there’s a balance between caring for animals and providing humane treatment for their pain, while still addressing the epidemic of misuse and abuse. This began yet another debate centered around the systems put in place to help fight opioid addiction, one of the main issues of the epidemic.

However, at no point in the process of prescribing an opioid does a vet have to consult the owner’s medical history or potential history of abuse. In fact, a vet would need special clearance to even get that information. There are no systems in place to track opioid prescriptions at the vet, nor any set way to deal with misuse amongst staff members and clients.

Both Colorado and Maine enacted laws that made it mandatory to check an owner’s medical history before prescribing their pet opioids. There was an outrage among vets and pet owners because choices for treating pain in an animal are limited.

“We recognize that opioids and other pain medications have a legitimate and important role in treating pain in animals – just as they do for people,” Gottlieb noted in a report last week. “But just like the opioid medications used in humans, these drugs have potentially serious risks, not just for the animal patients, but also because of their potential to lead to addiction, abuse and overdose in humans who may divert them for their own use.”

There is only one opioid approved for use in animals. Because there are very few approved medications for animals, vets are forced to prescribe Recuvyra, a human opioid medication, when the animal is in pain.  Recuvyra is a form of fentanyl, a drug that has killed thousands of Americans already and was even used to kill an inmate on death row just last week in Nebraska. More research is needed to explore alternative ways of treating an animal’s pain.

“As medical professionals, veterinarians have an opportunity to partner with the FDA and others to take on this public health crisis,” Gottlieb said. “We encourage them to continue to work with their clients and both local and national organizations, such as their state board of veterinary medicine and AVMA, to join in the fight against this tragic epidemic.”

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Is Short-Term Medical Insurance Worth It?

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In 2016, 28.1 million Americans were uninsured for the entire year. However, with recent changes to the healthcare mandate, that number may rise, particularly since premiums are largely going up.

The most popular plans available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, saw premiums soar by an average of 34 percent in 2018. In 2019, Californians can expect their cost to rise by almost 9 percent. In Washington State, insurers are proposing a 19 increase on average. The CareFirst of Maryland’s Blue Preferred offering may raise rates by a stunning 91.4 percent.

Now that Obamacare is changing, many people will begin to explore alternatives, one of them being short-term medical insurance. However, many wonder if short-term health insurance is worth the cost and if it provides enough coverage to be an effective option.

What is Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance plans are products that typically come with a much lower cost in comparison to traditional options. For example, according to a report in late 2017, for a 55-year-old male in Indianapolis, the cheapest ACA plan was $563 a month. How much was a short-term health insurance plan? $103 each month.

However, they also come with a big caveat; the coverage typically only lasts for 90 days at a time.

It is important to note that the US Department of Health & Human Service is asking for the removal of the 90-day plan length limit. Ideally, they want coverage to last up to 364 days, just one day shy of a year. But, that isn’t the current state of the limitation, and there’s no guarantee the change will go through.

Further, some insurers allow people to buy up to four 90-day periods at a time. This means completing only one application and going through a single underwriting process. Then, the plans are valid sequentially, providing 360 days of coverage.

While you might be able to secure close to a year of insurance, it usually isn’t the kind of coverage you would be hoping to find. Mainly, this is because these plans don’t meet ACA standards.

Since they don’t meet ACA standards, they insurer can use higher deductibles, lower caps, and additional restrictions on a variety of medical treatments. This makes the monthly cost low, but that doesn’t mean you won’t pay big if you use the coverage.

Is Short-Term Medical Insurance Worth the Cost?

Even with a short-term medical insurance plan, a person could still be left with massive medical bills. Largely, these options don’t provide a substantial amount of coverage and have numerous limitations.

For example, the plan might not include prescription drug or maternity coverage or could charge extra to add these features. Excluding pre-existing conditions (which includes anything you’ve received treatment for or experienced symptoms of in the last five years before securing the plan) is also common.

Some insurers will even limit or deny treatments if a person discovers a severe condition, like cancer, within 30 days of the policy starting.

Additionally, a serious illness after the policy starts may lead the insurer to refuse to renew your plan later. This means, after the 90 days, you may not have any coverage options with them.

Traditionally, short-term health insurance also comes with deductibles that are higher than the maximums set in the ACA. That $103 a month plan mentioned above has a $5,000 deductible. This means you’d have to spend $5,000 in medical costs before the plan even kicks in.

After that $5,000, the plan only covers 50 percent of a person’s medical bills, in the majority of cases, until you spend an additional $5,000 in out of pocket expenses. Plus, there are still other limits and caps to contend with, like a $500 cap on ER visits.

ACA-compliant plans adhere to specific guidelines, including coverage for pre-existing conditions and more favorable out-of-pocket maximums. Plus, they can’t have as many exclusions as a short-term medical insurance plan, making your coverage more comprehensive.

Should You Try a Short-Term Health Insurance Plan?

Ultimately, your unique situation will determine whether a short-term medical plan is right for you. However, it is crucial that you read the fine print to learn about the coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and caveats before you make that decision.

Additionally, it’s important to note that not all states allow short-term plans. People in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont can’t purchase these forms of coverage at all. Specific states may also restrict each renewal period further, making them last less than three months.

In the vast majority of cases, short-term health insurance isn’t a cost-effective option. However, some plans are better than others. You may find one with lower deductibles, fewer restrictions, and favorable out-of-pocket limits. Typically, these will cost more than less comprehensive plans, but they can help avoid financial ruin at a much lower price tag.

When in doubt, consult with a state-licensed broker if your state-run exchange has them. These professionals can help you assess your options and determine which one fits your financial situation while respecting your personal healthcare needs.

However, if an ACA plan is available, even if the monthly cost is higher, you could be better off with the insurance. A single medical event can be catastrophic financially, and ACA-compliant plans provide substantially better protection.

Have you ever used short-term medical insurance? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more great insurance articles? Here are a few to get you started:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

How to Get Free Dental Work

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As of 2016, around 23 percent of Americans had no form of dental insurance. Without insurance, many people find even basic dental work, like cleanings and exams, to be unaffordable. However, even with coverage, the out-of-pocket expenses for treatments might not be feasible within a person’s budget.

A root canal can be as much as $1,500 to $2,000 on average, depending on the tooth. Porcelain crowns can cost $3,000. Even a single filling can carry an expense of $150 to $200 per one to two surfaces.

The high cost of many dental treatments means people with serious conditions might not know what to do if they need treatment. In some cases, they may choose to forgo receiving any care, largely because they can’t afford it.

However, there are options for keeping the costs under control. In fact, you may be able to get free dental work.

How to Get Free Dental Work

There are a variety of resources that may provide free dental work to individuals. However, not everyone qualifies in every case.

For example, some programs focus on those who have low incomes or meet other criteria, like being a military veteran. Others may involve a level of risk.

If you are looking for free dental work, it’s important to check a few options. While you might not be eligible in one program, you may qualify in another. Here are some resources that are worth exploring.

Dental Insurance

If you have private dental insurance, specific preventative treatments, like cleanings and exams, may be 100% covered by the insurer. However, this varies depending on the insurance provider and the exact plan.

In some cases, Medicaid of CHIP dental plan may cover some treatments fully, but that isn’t always the case. These plans exist on the state-level, so each state controls what is and isn’t covered in full. It is important to note that these plans are incredibly limited for both children and adults, but they do provide basic coverage to those who qualify.

Dental Schools

The only way to ensure an aspiring dentist or hygienist has the proper skills to work in the field is to allow them to practice on actual patients. In exchange for allowing a dentist or hygienist in-training to work on you, they lower the cost of treatment.

Typically, the prices are only reduced. However, many colleges and universities use a sliding scale. Low-income households may qualify for no-cost treatments, though this is up to the school itself.

There is a small level of risk of going to a dental school since the person primarily responsible for your care is still training. But, it’s important to note that trained dentists do check their work and monitor their activities, so they are available to intervene if the need arises.

Clinical Trials

If you are willing to participate in a clinical trial, you might be able to receive free treatments. In most cases, you have to have a highly specific dental, craniofacial, or oral condition to qualify, and being willing to be a research subject.

The National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) at times seeks volunteers. You can review their current trials and see if you may be eligible.

In most cases, seeking out a clinical trial isn’t ideal if you suffer from an acute situation, like a broken tooth, or any circumstance where delaying treatment is unwise, like an infection. Those with chronic conditions may benefit, but every clinical trial comes with risk. Often, the course of treatment is unproven, so the results are not guaranteed and could even potentially be harmful. Before you take part, the researchers will disclose all of the known risks of receiving the treatment.

State and Local Health Departments

While health departments don’t provide care, they are very knowledgeable about resources in their areas. Consider contacting your health departments to see if they can refer you to a free dental care provider.

They may also be aware of financial assistance programs that can assist in covering the cost. Some charitable organizations may provide funds to individuals in need of treatment and repayment might not be necessary.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Qualifying veterans may have access to a variety of dental benefits through the VA. In some cases, the coverage is fairly comprehensive, though not every procedure will be free. Others might have access to a dental plan at a lower cost, making coverage more affordable.

However, one benefit veterans who recently served can access does allow for a one-time course of free dental care. To be eligible, veterans must apply within 180 days after they are discharged.

Community Clinics

Some community clinics provide dental care either for free or at a reduced price. Typically, income limits apply, but that isn’t always the case. Many of the locations are independently operated, so they may have some flexibility regarding who is eligible for free treatments.

What If You are Not Eligible for Free Dental Work?

Not everyone qualifies to receive free dental work. However, there are options to help make your treatment more affordable.

For example, you can find 0% interest financing options, such as those available through CareCredit. CareCredit is a credit card that only works at eligible dental, medical and veterinary providers. You’ll need to make monthly payments but, if you are able to pay the debt in full within the specified period, you don’t pay any interest.

While financing your dental work may not be ideal, it can provide you with the means to receive important treatments without incurring interest. Plus, since you can make payments over time, sometimes as long as 24 months, it can make the cost easier to handle.

Ultimately, all of the options above are worth exploring if you need free dental care. Even if you don’t qualify for no-cost treatment, you may find a cheaper alternative to paying the prices at a regular dental office. In some cases, the lower prices can make dental care reasonably affordable, so consider that approach as well when you need treatment.

 

Do you know of another way to get free dental work? Tell us about it in the comments below.

 

Looking for more great health articles? Here are a few to get you started:

The High Cost of Some Prescription Drugs Can Be More Than Most Automobiles

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<img src=" The High Cost of Some Prescription Drugs Can Be More Than Most Automobiles.jpg" alt”pillbottlelayingsidewayswithpillsfallingout">

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price for a new light vehicle is $35,411. Even the lowest priced new cars will usually run over $12,000. While that number may not be a surprise. Due to the high cost of some prescription drugs;  many consumers are caught off guard when it’s time to pick up their prescriptions.

To make matters worse, some health insurance plans don’t help with the cost.

The High Cost of  Some Prescription Drugs

Tier one medications, typically name-brand drugs that manufacturers push through marketing campaigns, are often more expensive. In 2016, $5.6 billion was spent on prescription drug advertising, trying to convince consumers to ask their doctors about specific medications. These ads usually don’t discuss the cost of the drugs and selecting the wrong one could hit your wallet hard.

To help you make smarter decisions about your prescription medications, here are 11 that cost more than a car, according to GoodRX.

1. Actimmune

Actimmune is for the treatment of chronic granulomatous disease, a rare condition that impacts the immune system, and severe, malignant osteopetrosis .

Most patients need 12 vials a month, and Actimmune costs $4,360 per vial. That brings the monthly total to $52,321. If you use it for a year at that rate, your annual cost is a stunning $627,852. With various discounts and rebates and patient compliance, the cost can be lowered an average of $24,000 per month or $288,000 per year.

2. Daraprim

Both those with AIDS and transplant patient may use Daraprim, as well as those battling with toxoplasmosis. Typically, people use the medication for a few months.

A single one-month supply, consisting of 60 tablets, costs $45,000, or around $750 a pill.

3. Cinryze

A treatment for the rare, life-threatening condition hereditary angioedema, which causes swelling in various body parts, Cinryze costs around $44,140 for a typical one-month supply. Over the course of a year, that comes out to $529,680.

4. Chenodal

While a generic of Chenodal could technically be created, since the patent has expired, the “closed distribution system” has prevented generic manufacturers from producing the medication.

A typical 90 pill monthly supply of the gallstone dissolving drug usually runs about $473 per tablet or $42,570 in total. However, some patients need 210 tablets a month, and that runs $99,330.

5. Myalept

A medication for treating leptin deficiencies in those with generalized lipodystrophy, Myalept costs approximately $4,213 per vial. If you use the standard 10 vials a month, that’s $42,137.

Myalept is also the only medication available for treating the condition, so those who suffer it have no other options for finding cost savings.

6. H.P. Acthar

Also called Acthar, H.P. Acthar is an approved treatment for multiple conditions including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, certain ophthalmic conditions, and more. One vial of the medication has a price tag of around $38,892.

7. Juxtapid

A 28 capsule supply runs about $36,992, or $1,321 per dose. The medication treats those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that can lead to heart disease.

8. Firazyr

Another treatment for hereditary angioedema, though using a different approach, Firazyr costs around $32,468 a month, or over $10,822 per syringe.

9. Harvoni

Harvoni treats Hepatitis C, a condition with notoriously high treatment costs, is widely advertised on television. It is the first combination drug, which needs to be taken once per day, in the treatment category, and a 12-week course of the medication is common.

28 tablets of Harvoni cost $31,500, or $1,125 per tablet. Over 12 weeks that brings the total to $94,500.

10. Cuprimine

Cuprimine is proof that even older medications can cost a bundle. It was invented in the 1970s, but still costs over $261 per tablet today. In fact, the high price tag is so controversial, that it debates in Congress have occurred and an episode of Dirty Money, a Netflix show, covered the topic.

A treatment for Wilson’s disease, those taking the drug usually go through three tablets per day, one after every meal. That brings the monthly cost up to $31,426.

11. Sovaldi

Another Hepatitis C treatment that usually requires a 12-week course is Sovaldi. At $1,000 per tablet, a month’s supply is around $28,000. For a full course of treatment, that comes out to $84,000.

Would Your Insurance Cover Some of the Cost?

Whether an insurance company will cover some of the costs of any prescription varies dramatically. If your doctor recommends any of the medications above, it’s wise to contact your insurer to discuss your coverage.

Additionally, asking your physician for information about alternatives can also result in cost savings, depending on your condition or the availability of generics.

In some cases, lower cost options may not be available, or your insurance might not provide coverage. In those cases, you need to discuss your situation with your doctor. They may be aware of programs that can help offset some of the expense, though that isn’t a guarantee.

Often, when a physician prescribes a medication, there is sound reasoning behind it. While shouldering these high costs could be scary, if your health is at risk, you may need to follow your doctor’s advice.

 

Have you ever been startled by the high cost of some prescription drugs? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

 

Looking for more great articles? Here are a few to get you started:

 

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Cheap Glasses and Contacts? Costco Versus Zenni

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It’s hard to find cheap glasses and contacts nowadays, and if you have a strong prescription or your local stores don’t have the best prices, things can get incredibly expensive.

Luckily, there are some low-cost options that can help you save big on your purchase — namely Costco and Zenni Optical, where you can find great products that won’t break the bank.

Costco is renowned for customer service, and their optical stores are no exception. Most buyers are incredibly happy with their experience, making it a great option.

Cheap Glasses and Contacts at Costco

Costco Optical is open to everyone, even if you don’t have a Costco membership. This part of the store offers exams, glasses, and contacts, making it a one-stop shop. However, you can also bring in an outside prescription for glasses or contacts purchases.

Most vision insurance plans work at Costco Optical as well. This allows you to use your benefits to offset the cost, helping your cheap glasses and contact cost you even less.

If you’re looking for the latest vision technology, Costco Optical has your back. The locations also have a reasonable selection, including name-brand frames and sunglasses. However, each store may have slightly different options, so keep that in mind.

Generally, it will take about a week to receive your glasses once you place your order. Contacts, on the other hand, might be available immediately for the more popular prescriptions.

Zenni Optical for Cheap Glasses

Zenni Optical is an online store that focuses on glasses. It has incredibly low prices — including some frames on sale for just $6 apiece — and a vast selection of frames and sunglasses. While name-brand options aren’t available, the frame quality is on par with most brands that are found in stores. Plus, Zenni offers lenses with some of the latest technologies.

Since Zenni Optical is entirely online, you can’t physically try on the glasses in advance. However, you can upload a picture and do a virtual fitting before you select your frames. If you don’t want to upload a photo, you can use one of the models instead.

Just make sure you pick a model that can accommodate the distance between your pupils — this is referred to as pupillary distance (PD). You should be able to find that on your prescription or by contacting your eye doctor. There are instructions for getting this measurement yourself, but having your physician handle it could yield better results.

You can’t buy cheap contacts through Zenni, as the retailer only sells glasses. Additionally, shipping times can be a little long, usually between 14 and 21 days; however, if you’re in a rush, expedited mailing options are available if you’re willing to pay extra. But even then, there’s still a considerable wait before the company can get your package to the overnight mail providers.

Zenni Optical doesn’t take insurance directly. However, you may be able to file with your insurance provider for a reimbursement, allowing you to recoup the cost.

Which Is Better for Cheap Glasses and Contacts?

Since Zenni doesn’t offer contacts, you’ll want to use Costco for that purchase. However, when it comes to cheap glasses, both are great. You just need to decide if trying on frames in-person is a priority or how you feel about the shipping times.

Otherwise, both Costco and Zenni offer pleasant experiences and high-quality products, so you really can’t go wrong.

Have you tried Costco or Zenni Optical? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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Learn more about how to save money on shopping by checking out our archives:

The Great Secret to Cheap Dental Care

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Within the United States and Canada, there are over 60 dental schools which provide inexpensive dental treatment. With locations all over the US from Louisville, New York City, Ft Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Omaha, and Chapel Hill it is very likely there is a school nearby. The real secret to getting cheap dental care is kept there.

Reasons to Consider a Dental School for Your Needs

You can go directly to the dental school to save money on your dental needs. Depending on the school nearest you, you’ll be able to capitalize on many of these perks:

Insurance

Dental schools accept most insurances. It is still a good idea to call the school ahead of time to be sure there are no problems. Going to a school may be a good option if the regular dentist drops insurance coverage.

Expert overseers

You may be thinking, why on earth would I want a student working on my teeth? Well, no dental school allows students to work on teeth without supervision. Professors at dental schools are considered to be expert overseers and will be tracking the entire process of your visit.

Inexpensive

Cleanings, crowns, root canals or even veneers are cheaper at dental schools. Treatment is about half as expensive as a regular dental office. Students are good resources for learning about the best values offered at the school. Ask them if there are any procedures that are particularly cheap at the school. Perhaps tooth whitening kits are particularly inexpensive. It depends on the school.

Possibility for absolutely FREE work

To become licensed as dentists, students must pass the National Board exams. This consists of working on patients that have a specific type of cavity under the supervision of a Board examiner. If you qualify as a National Board patient, your student will love you and fix your teeth for free.

Downsides to Going to a Dental School

When you decide to get work done at a school, expect it to take a while. Here’s why:

A couple appointments

Because students are so closely monitored, it normally takes 3 appointments until patients begin treatment. Also, many schools suffer from faculty shortages. Appointments that take 1 hour at a regular dentist office could take 3 hours because the student is waiting for a professor to check their work. Bring a book or something because you might be alone in the chair while the student is waiting for a professor. Sometimes schools even offer evening clinic sessions which offer greater flexibility for patients.

Slow, perfectionist students

Students practice on manikins, plastic teeth, and each other before they are let loose on real human beings. When practicing, good clinical results, not speed, are graded. Students are competent at performing the procedures but they can take a bit more time than professional dentists.

No assistants

Normally students are working solo. So you may be asked to help make the process go faster. Maybe write some numbers or hold the suction in your own mouth. If you can’t handle this or the points mentioned above, you may not want to consider heading to a dental school for your needs.

Dental Schools in the United States

cheap dental care at dental schools
However, it is still a great way to save money and if you can get past the downsides, it isn’t much different than heading to the “regular” dentist. Below is a list of the dental schools in the United States where you may be able to get some work done on the cheap:

Alabama

  • University of Alabama School of Dentistry

Arizona

  • Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
  • Mid-Western University school of dentistry

California

  • Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
  • The University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry
  • The University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
  • University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
  • The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
  • Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

Colorado

  • University of Colorado Denver School of Dental Medicine

Connecticut

  • University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine

District of Columbia / Washington, D.C.

  • Howard University College of Dentistry

Florida

  • Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine
  • Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
  • University of Florida College of Dentistry

Georgia

  • Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University

Illinois

  • Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine
  • The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
  • Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine

Indiana

  • Indiana University School of Dentistry

Iowa

  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Kentucky

  • University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
  • University of Louisville School of Dentistry

Louisiana

  • Louisiana State University School of Dentistry

Maryland

  • University of Maryland Dental School of the University of Maryland at Baltimore

Massachusetts

  • Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine
  • Harvard School of Dental Medicine
  • Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Michigan

  • University of Michigan School of Dentistry
  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry

Minnesota

  • University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Missouri

  • University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry
  • Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health at A.T. Still University

Mississippi

  • University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry

Nebraska

  • University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Creighton University School of Dentistry

Nevada

  • UNLV School of Dental Medicine also known as the University of Nevada at Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine

New Jersey

  • University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Dental School

New York

  • Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
  • New York University College of Dentistry
  • The State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
  • The State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine
  • Touro College of Dental Medicine

North Carolina

  • The University of North Carolina School of Dentistry
  • East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine

Ohio

  • Ohio State University College of Dentistry
  • Case School of Dental Medicine of the Case Western Reserve University

Oklahoma

  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Dentristy

Oregon

  • Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry

Pennsylvania

  • Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine

Puerto Rico

  • University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry

South Carolina

  • Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine

Tennessee

  • University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
  • Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry

Texas

  • Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry
  • The Dental School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry
  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine

Utah

  • Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
  • The University of Utah School of Dentistry

Virginia

  • Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry

Washington

  • University of Washington School of Dentistry

West Virginia

  • West Virginia University School of Dentistry

Wisconsin

  • Marquette University School of Dentistry

Remember that if you’d like to get a dental exam or get any dental work done at a school you will need to call ahead for an appointment. As mentioned above, you should also be ready to wait. Some schools require you to walk-in, and others are just busy. However, the money you’ll save will be well worth it.

Check out the video below to learn more about a free dental school at UCSF and get an idea about how dental schools work. 


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