Dental Fees
Dental fees add up sometimes without you even knowing. Would you like a “flouride” treatment? Well sure, why not? Then upon checkout or your next invoice, your hit with a $20 charge.
Dental offices cleverly capture these fees in addition to insurance payments. Like any medical prodedure, whenever the office offers you something ask for the total cost before hand if possible. If you ask for any tests, x-rays, fillings, crowns, etc. you should also ask about the costs or it could be a blank check to the dentist office. Many of the following ideas apply for medical or vision fees too.
If you don’t have dental insurance your office should be willing to negotiate a lower costs for services. And regardless of insurance, always negotiate. If they’re unwilling to negotiate that’s a caution flag and you may want to seek a second option.
The American Dental Association® has an excellent website with valuable information for options, disputes, and education. Most of the links below are within the ADA® site. Leave your ideas and experiences below.
Other ways to reduce dental fees
Ask for FREE sample
This might be small change is the bigger picture but it all adds up. Ask for a free sample of mouthwash, floss, or toothpaste upon leaving. Usually they’ll have a few items in stock they may give to you. It never hurts to ask for a free sample.
Travel Abroad
More and more people are traveling out of the US for medical and dental procedures due to cost advantages while maintaining the similar level of care. Some may even accept your US insurance plan.
Obviously this can be expensive and time consuming depending on your location but if your procedure is costly it may be a consideration. The quality of care may not be as bad as some perceive but then there is the issue of follow up visits.
Hardship Plan
It may be possible that your dental (and medical) providers offers reduced rates for those with proven financial hardship or low-income. Make sure to discuss this upfront to understand the viability of this option.
Early Payment (or Timely Payment)
This idea applies to many types of expenses. Will the other party offer a discount for early payment, up-front payment, or payment within a quick period of time after the services are rendered? There is nothing to lose by asking.
Negotiate
As with any fee, negotiating can only help and the best chances come when you’re prepared and respectful. Negotiate prior to paying the fees so there aren’t any surprises. Get any agreed terms in writing. If your being contacted by a debt collecting agency you often have more negotiating leverage. These agencies typically by outstanding obligations (debts) from businesses at very low cost (since they are assuming all the risk of ever collecting any of it).
Local dental school
Often a fraction of the price of typical dentist but these are students under the supervision of faculty. These educational programs offer a wide array of procedures but the risk is the level of quality. Procedures could also take more time since the teachers are collaborating with the students during the procedure.
Get Insurance or a Discount Plan
This comes with a costs too but may be worth it if you have time to get it in place. Especially if you have more dental risks/costs looming in the future for you or your family. The link below is to an ADA page that breaks down the types of insurance and dental plans.
Before you ink in a plan, verify the following:
- Insurance company is registed in your state
- Your dentist accepts that plan
Ask the dentist office to determine the amount covered by the plan and how much you need to pay out of pocket.
Filing a Complaint against a Dentist
If there’s a dispute with the services or fees from your dentist office the first step is to attempt resolving with the dentist office. Read the section on “Effective Complaining” to prepare yourself. If your not satisfied let them know you plan to contact your state’s dental board. If that fails, follow through and:
- Contact your local dental society
- Contact your state dental board
The Latest
Section 301 Tariff Update
Extension on Certain Exclusions until 12/31/20 for List 3 and List 4 In terms of LIST 3, on September 10, 2020, three importers filed a complaint at the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT), HMTX Industries LLC et al. v. United States, which challenges the...
Getting a refund from Amazon
Amazon has an A-to-Z Guarantee to help resolve problems with purchases. Eligilibility requirements are found here. One of Amazon's competitive advantage is their reputation to make things right and protect the consumer. Follow the six steps below to begin the process....
Deadline 10/14/20: Did you buy or own a GE Microwave?
You may be entitled to benefits if you purchased or owned a GE Profile or GE Monogram Brand Microwave Oven. The court approved a Settlemen on July 27, 2020 and it appears to be too late to exclude yourself from a claim but you still could get a benefit as part of the...
ATTN: Contact Lens Buyers – must act by 12/4/20
Did you purchase contact lenses online from 2004 through 2019? You have until December 4, 2020 to complete a Claim Form to be considered to receive a payment from the Settlements in Thompson v. 1 800 Contacts, Inc., Vision Direct, Inc., Walgreens Boots Alliance,...
Six Sigma & Lean Manufacturing
Six-Sigma-Material.com is a popular source for free content. The site focuses on the the methodolgies and tools used within SIx Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. The site focuses ont the DMAIC path. It covers the most commonly used tools from start to finish. Each topic...
Can you claim a Tax Education Credit?
The IRS has a 10 minute quiz to help determine whether you may be able to claim a Tax Education Credit. This will help you determine if you're eligible for certain educational credits or deductions including the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning...
Major US airlines drop Change Fees
Change Fees account for a respectable amount of income for the airlines. However these benefits seem to outweigh the more dire need to enticing passenger bookings. This large source of revenue has already been curtailed by American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta...
Reporting Phone Fraud
Reporting Phone Fraud and violations related to the FTC”s National Do Not Call Registry.
Tuition Free Schools
Free tuition does exist and may become more popular in the future. Of course these are few and far between and come with qualifications. The catch is that "free" doesn't equate to covering all educational expenses. But it's worth the look if you're in the hunt. The...
SiriusXM®
Reoccurring Subscriptions Reoccurring subscriptions can be sneaky ways for companies to continue siphoning your money when you no longer need the service. You most likely signed up for it but in reality you no longer use the subscription or you can get by with a lower...
DNA Testing
National DNA Day – April 25, 2020
Senior Advantage – another option to save money
Here's another on-line option for Seniors that provides various tools, coupons, discounts, and more to help you save money, stay informed and live a healthier life. "Senior Advantage customers get access to a deal portal, budgeting tool, 365-day personalized meal...
FLORIDIANS: High potential $ reward – low effort.
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY There's a 1 in 5 chance you have Unclaimed Property according to the Florida Dept. of Financial Services website, The state paid out $323,000,000 last year. It takes just a few minutes to search for yourself, a friend, or family member. This is too...
Advertise your event here
Stay Up to Date
Access Premium Content
Access to all categories and all information with the site. Stay current with regular updates and contribute your own comments.
Join The Community
Register for free and contribute to the discussions to help yourself and other get their hard earned money back.
