You may believe that avoiding the dentist will save you money, but it may prove to be very expensive in the long run. Not only can neglecting your dental health cause problems with your teeth and gums, but it may also put your overall state of health in jeopardy. Affordable dentistry is within your reach, however, you just need to know where to find it. Here are some great ways to save money on your dental treatment so that you can enjoy a healthy smile:

Dental Students

You can get affordable dental treatments when you allow dental students to work on your teeth. Dental schools have "clinic days" where the general public can make appointments for dental care. While your examination and treatment will be performed by the dental students, a licensed dentist, who may also be a dental school professor, will be supervising their work.

While most dental schools charge a discounted fee for their services, many cities have free dental clinics where you can get treatment at no cost, if you qualify financially. Affordable dentistry provided by dental students is not limited to checkups and cleanings. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that dental students or dentistry residents specializing in orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and periodontics can provide you with low-cost orthodontic work, periodontal treatment, and even oral surgery services.

Ask For A Payment Plan

Many dentists will allow you to open up a credit card or take out a line of credit through a financial institution of their choice to pay for your dental services; however, if your credit rating is poor, you may not qualify for this type of financing. If you find yourself in this situation, ask the dentist if he or she would set up a personal payment plan so that you can pay for your dental treatment in easy-to-afford monthly payments.

An "in house" dental payment plan may also save you expensive finance charges and interest payments that may be incurred through dental credit cards. Many dentists will try to work out an affordable payment plan with you based on your financial situation because they do not want you to neglect your dental health. 

If you are seeking affordable dentistry options, consider the above suggestions. Do not neglect your oral health simply because you are embarrassed to visit a dental school clinic or are hesitant to discuss your financial situation with your dentist. You can still enjoy a healthy smile, even if you are struggling financially to make ends meet. Look for options for affordable dentistry near you.