How much does dental care cost in the United States
The fact that dental care in the United States is expensive seems to be a memory in your DNA from your previous life. You may have never experienced toothache or been to a dental clinic, but when others talk about dental care, the word "expensive" will reflexively appear in your mind. How expensive is it?
Don't ask, you won't know even if you ask, it's expensive anyway. What if you have insurance? "It should be cheaper with insurance, right?" you say to yourself, sorry, it's not cheap. It depends on whether you know how to treat your dental disease. . . In today's article, we will introduce the process and cost of dental care in the United States in as much detail as possible from the two aspects of insurance and no insurance, just in case you need it one day, at least you can have a good idea.
1. Process
In the United States, the process of seeing a doctor with insurance and without insurance is different, and dental care is no exception.
With dental insurance, the process of seeing a dentist is roughly as follows:
If you have purchased dental insurance, the first time you see a dentist, you usually choose General Dentistry (family dental clinic) within the insurance network, and choose a General Dentist you like as a fixed family dentist.
The dental insurance card will have an ID Number, Group Number, and Customer Service Number. Users usually use one of the following three methods to check which dental clinics are in their insurance network:
Call the customer service number and report the ID# and Group#. The customer service can check your specific insurance information, and then just ask the customer service;
In addition, most insurance companies have official websites. You can register and log in on the official website with information such as ID# and Group# to find relevant information;
Directly consult the dental clinic. The staff of the dental clinic can help you verify with the insurance company based on the insurance information you provide, whether you can be reimbursed in the clinic, how much you can be reimbursed, etc.
After accepting a new customer, each clinic will basically arrange for a full-mouth X-ray, a dental exam, and a cleaning. If the problem is not serious, it can usually be done in a 30-45 minute appointment; but it may also require that the first appointment is only for filming and examination, and then make an appointment for the next cleaning or repair of other problems after the examination.
Most dental insurances cover 100% of preventive treatments, such as annual X-rays, two teeth cleanings, oral examinations, etc. For friends who have bought dental insurance and have no major dental problems, these services are the most commonly used, because these items basically do not need to be paid out of pocket, and after teeth cleaning, you can often take home free samples, various toothbrushes, dental floss, toothpaste, mouthwash... It's a waste not to take them!
Usually, the first visit to the dentist will go to a family dentist's office, where there will be a General Dentist (family dentist) and a Dental Hygienist (dental hygienist). Generally, the assistant will be responsible for taking oral X-rays, and then the hygienist will come to measure the depth of the periodontal pocket and clean the teeth.
After that, the dentist will come to say hello, look at the X-rays, and then use the naked eye and tools to check all the teeth once, register all the places that need to be repaired, and then let you make an appointment for the next time (yes, next time!) to come back for teeth cleaning or filling. If the situation is serious, you will be referred to a specialist dentist such as a periodontist or endodontist.
So, if you have never seen a dentist (no medical record) and only go to see a dentist when you have a toothache, I'm sorry, please make an appointment for an X-ray, examination, and teeth cleaning first, and then make an appointment for the next formal filling!
What is the process of seeing a dentist if you don't have dental insurance?
Whether you have dental insurance or not, the process of seeing a dentist is actually the same. The only difference is the clinic selection process. Because you don't first check the insurance clinic network, you can choose any dentist you like, compare reviews and fees (this is the key point), and then make an appointment for a dental appointment.
2. Cost
Like medical insurance, dental insurance is divided into two categories: HMO and PPO:
● HMO: You can only go to the dental clinic or doctor designated by the insurance company, and the premium is about 10 yuan/month. About $200-$300 per year
● PPO: You can choose the clinic and doctor by yourself, usually the monthly premium is about 30-50 yuan. About $300-$600 per year
Dental insurance usually divides the reimbursement of services people need when seeing a dentist into four levels (Class of Services).
1. Class I (Preventive): Class I preventive diagnosis items, most dental insurance reimburses 80%~100%, good insurance can reimburse 100% + no deductible, usually including services: oral examination Exam, Full-Mouth X-Rays (usually limited to once a year), Routine Cleanings (usually limited to twice a year), Sealants (may be limited to under 19 years old), etc.
2. Class II (Basic): Class II basic restorative care items, most dental insurance reimburses 80%~90%, there may be a waiting period of more than 6 months, good insurance can reimburse more than 80% and no waiting period, items include simple oral surgery such as restorative fillings and extractions
3. Class III (Major): Class III major restorative care items, most dental insurance only reimburses 50%, and there may be a waiting period of more than 12 months, some items are not even reimbursed, items include root canal treatment, wisdom tooth extraction (some insurances are classified as Class II), crown, denture, implant, etc.
4. Class IV (Orthodontia): Class IV dental correction items, this type of reimbursement is usually calculated separately from the reimbursement of the above three types of items, with a lifetime reimbursement limit (Lifetime Maximum), which is different from the annual reimbursement limit, and is usually limited to those under 19 years old
In addition, dental insurance generally does not reimburse non-medically necessary items, such as teeth whitening Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Invisalign and other cosmetic dental items will not be reimbursed.
The specific reimbursement percentage and reimbursement situation still depends on the type of insurance. You can go to Dental Plan to check the price and the types of insurance included. However, it should be emphasized that the waiting period for general dental insurance is one year, which means that the insurance purchased on January 1, 2021 will not be effective until January 1, 2022!
If you have a job and think you will go to the dentist, it is strongly recommended that you buy dental insurance. Many insurances require waiting. If you are diagnosed with cavities, many insurances will not cover such treatments until 6 months after you purchase the insurance. When buying insurance, you should buy it according to your long-term needs, and pay attention to whether there is a waiting period. For example, if you know you need to have orthodontics, then choose insurance that covers orthodontists. Even if it is a little more expensive, you can save a lot of money. If you only cover the usual care, choosing to cover teeth cleaning and strong coverage of tooth decay will help you more.
If you don't buy insurance or can't wait for the insurance waiting period, how much does it cost to go to the dentist? Let's take a look at the approximate cost of common dental projects (with insurance vs. without insurance)
Initial Consultation/Check Up: Generally, it is the first oral examination for new patients to establish your medical records. The examination generally includes taking full oral X-rays. Some clinics also include routine general teeth cleaning. The cost without insurance is about $250-$300, and it is free with insurance.
Regular Clean: Routine teeth cleaning without anesthesia, mainly cleaning gums and teeth, and other bacteria that are difficult to clean with brushing or flossing. Insurance generally provides 1-2 free regular teeth cleanings. If you don't have insurance, the price is about $50-$150.
Deep Clean: Deep cleaning is to clean the accumulated plaque and dental plaque in the periodontal pocket more deeply. Root planning is also required to make the gums fit the tooth roots and reduce the possibility of bacteria hiding. In general, when extracting teeth and filling teeth, dentists will recommend patients to do deep cleaning first. If there is no insurance, the price ranges from hundreds to thousands, mainly depending on the severity of the teeth. If there is insurance, it depends on the terms of the insurance. If it is covered, it can generally cover more than 50%, but there is often a waiting period.
Filling: The price of filling teeth is calculated according to the number of teeth and varies according to the filling materials. Common materials are silver amalgam and resin. Silver amalgam is cheaper, at $50-$200 per tooth. Resin materials are more expensive. The filling is almost the same color as the teeth and is basically invisible. The price is generally $150-$300. There is a discount for filling multiple teeth, but if the location of the decayed tooth is more troublesome to fill, the price is also more expensive. Dental filling insurance can basically reimburse more than 50%, and good insurance can reimburse 80%.
Root Canal: If your tooth decay is serious, after grinding away the caries, the dental nerve will be directly exposed. At this time, root canal treatment is needed to extract the infected dental pulp nerve, and then refill and seal the dental pulp cavity to prevent the possibility of bacterial infection again. Not all dentists are confident that root canal treatment can be done well. General dental clinics often refer you to a specialized endodontist. Most dental insurance only reimburses 50% for such projects. If there is no insurance, the price of root canal treatment is between $500-$1500. The charges for teeth in different positions are also different. The front teeth are cheap, and the teeth further back are more expensive.
Tooth extraction: Many friends have the most urgent need for dentists to extract wisdom teeth. If you are lucky, the wisdom teeth will not be moved and will be safe. If you are unlucky, it will often cause inflammation of the surrounding gums, and even seriously damage the roots of the teeth next to it. Extracting wisdom teeth is an entry-level skill for dentists, and it can be done in any dental clinic. However, the price of wisdom tooth extraction varies greatly. An easy-to-extract wisdom tooth can be removed for less than $200, but if it grows crooked, the cost can easily soar two or three times. In addition, wisdom teeth extraction generally requires anesthesia, so the bill for a course of treatment is basically two to three thousand. Good dental insurance can cover most of it, but the out-of-pocket amount is also several hundred.
Porcelain crown: If your tooth decay is too severe, such as only one week left around a tooth, then filling can no longer save you. At this time, the crown must be completely ground off and an artificial porcelain crown must be installed, which means that root canal treatment is often accompanied by porcelain teeth. The price of porcelain teeth is basically around $1,000, and most dental insurance can cover 50%.
Dental implants: If the root of the tooth is so damaged that even the root canal cannot be repaired, it must be extracted and an artificial root implanted. However, the cost of dental implants is very expensive, ranging from $3000 to $5000. Many insurance plans do not cover dental implants. Even if they do, they only cover 50% at most. In addition, the annual reimbursement limit for most dental insurance is between $1000 and $2000. If you have already taken X-rays and cleaned your teeth within the year and have used the reimbursement limit, the insurance can only cover a limited amount of expenses, and you will end up paying at least two or three thousand out of your own pocket.
After seeing these prices, do you feel that you will go bankrupt if you don’t have insurance? Actually, not really! The only advantage of not having insurance is that you can bargain! It is generally accepted that American hospitals charge exorbitant prices. The high bills of hospitals are used to cheat insurance companies. If you are a cash pay customer, you must explain to the hospital in advance and ask for a discount, because it saves the process of arguing with the insurance company. Hospitals like cash pay patients very much and are willing to give discounts. If they give you an outrageously high bill, don't panic. Be sure to ask for an itemized bill and ask for a discount tirelessly. It is not impossible that the bill can be halved in the end. The total price may be about the same as the amount covered by a general insurance.
Teeth, like any part of the body, need careful care and maintenance, especially when they are taken in through the mouth. I hope everyone can brush their teeth well, use dental floss well, clean their teeth regularly, and keep healthy and beautiful teeth, and never be bothered by toothache.
PS: Other tips for saving money on dental care in the United States
Control dental problems from the root! Investing in a good electric toothbrush or water flosser can reduce the damage to teeth caused by sweets, alcohol, coffee, etc. Develop the habit of flossing, drinking more water, and rinsing your mouth more often.
Students should consider purchasing American student dental insurance, because X-ray examinations and teeth cleaning are free, and regular dental care can also prevent major dental problems. If your company can help you buy American dental insurance, you should enjoy these basic coverage services.
Before seeing a dentist in the United States, after the dentist gives a basic treatment quote, you can go to org or healthcarebluebook.com to check the quotes of other clinics, compare prices and avoid losses! If the dentist's quote is too high, you can consider switching to a clinic in the network for treatment.
If there is a community health center or medical school near your home, you can go there to inquire about the price of dental treatment! If you encounter a dental school, there will be an embarrassing scene with professors performing the surgery and students watching... However, this is definitely a very safe treatment method, and the price is relatively cost-effective.
Foreigners take advantage of returning to their home country to see a dentist, and have their wisdom teeth extracted, their teeth cleaned, and their teeth replaced! Not only is it easy to make a dental appointment in other countries, the cost may be only 1/3 – 1/5 of that in the United States. During the off-season, round-trip airfare and accommodation may even be cheaper than in the United States.