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How to Get Free Dental Work

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how to get free dental work

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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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:

 

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Cheap Glasses and Contacts? Costco Versus Zenni

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cheap glasses and contacts

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.

Read More About Shopping

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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cheap dental care
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. 


Image courtesy of completosinmallo

CVS Pharmacy Hours

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CVS Pharmacy Hours
CVS Pharmacy is a subsidiary of the American health care company CVS Health/CVS Caremark, headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It was originally named the Consumer Value Store (CVS), and was founded in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1963. CVS Pharmacy is currently the largest American pharmacy chain by number of locations (approximately 9,660 as of 2016) and total prescription related sales. With over $153.3 Billion in revenue, CVS Health is the 7th most successful company in the United States according to Fortune 500.

When is CVS pharmacy open?

In general, CVS pharmacy is open from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Monday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Although, the reality is nobody really knows for sure when all CVS Pharmacies are open. CVS Pharmacy is a massive organization. With nearly 10,000 retail locations, its likely that opening hours are constantly being updated – making definitive statements about when particular pharmacies are open difficult. Locations within the same city have different opening hours as do pharmacies within states. In addition, CVS Pharmacy recently purchased Target’s 1,700 in-store location pharmacy business, and the opening hours for CVS Pharmacy within Target locations may differ from those with the CVS/Hallmark brand.

The best thing to do is ignore the numerous published opening hours on the internet and contact your local Pharmacy directly. Use the CVS Pharmacy store locator via cvs.com. Ignore the secondary sources on the web.

Is CVS Pharmacy Open 24 hours?

In some cases, CVS pharmacy IS open 24 hours. Similar to the general opening hours use the CVS store locator via cvs.com to find locations which are open 24 hours a day. The store locator will provide CVS Caremark photo hours, pharmacy hours, address, phone number, and services the store offers. Bear in mind that published opening hours may not always be accurate, sometimes closures happen and the website many not be updated. The best thing to do is call ahead and see if the location is open.

Tip: If CVS Pharmacy isn’t open when you need it, check Wallgreens pharmacy hours. Wallgreens is CVS’s major competitor and may be open when CVS is not.

What are CVS Pharmacy’s Holiday Hours?

CVS Pharmacy has historically been OPEN for the following holidays.

New Years Day

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

Memorial Day

Martin Luther King Day

Independence Day (4th of July)

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day

Veterans Day

Shoppers, however should take this with a large grain of salt. Similar to non-holiday and 24 hour locations CVS Pharmacy holiday hours vary a great deal depending on the holiday and the location. The best thing to do is use the CVS store locator via cvs.com and call the pharmacy to see if they will be open on the holiday. CVS holiday hours opening information on the web simply isn’t user friendly or summarized in one place, so you’ll need to call ahead.

Use the CVS Pharmacy App

The CVS Pharmacy app is another way to find CVS store hours. Simply download the app (iOS, Android), click on the drop down menu icon and search for the CVS Pharmacy you want. It will show the hours, services and directions to the location. You can also order prescriptions 24/7, access the CVS Pharmacy rewards program (the ExtraCare card) and more importantly, get the phone number of the Pharmacy store.

While it requires some work to find out when CVS Pharmacy is open, their nearly 10,000 locations and wide variety of services means CVS is good for late night and last minute holiday shoppers. Don’t forget to call head to get updated opening information.

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