Six ways to pay less for dental care
Save on every type of dentistry.
Compare 6 savings channels side-by-side. Find dental schools, FQHC clinics, discount plans, and more near your ZIP code.
390K+ dentists scored13.6K+ FQHC clinics65 dental schools
Dental Price Lookup
Compare prices across 6 sources for any CDT code
Dental School Clinics
Find CODA-accredited clinics with reduced fees
FQHC Dental Clinics
Sliding scale fees based on your income
Bill Error Checker
Find overcharges and billing errors
Negotiation Scripts
Word-for-word scripts to ask for a cash discount
Plan Optimizer
Insurance vs discount plan vs cash pay
Frequently asked questions
How much can I save on dental care?
It depends entirely on the procedure, your ZIP code, and which channel you use, so we do not publish a headline savings number. Dental school clinics generally post the lowest fees, FQHC clinics charge on a sliding scale tied to your income, and discount plans and cash-pay negotiation land somewhere in between. Enter your procedure and ZIP above to see the actual prices near you and compare them side by side.
Are dental school clinics safe?
Yes. All dental schools in the US are accredited by CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). Students perform procedures under direct supervision of licensed faculty dentists. The tradeoff is longer appointment times.
What is an FQHC dental clinic?
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community health centers that offer dental services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. There are over 13,000 FQHC sites across the US with dental services.
Is dental tourism safe?
Many dental tourism destinations (Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia) have well-trained dentists at international-standard facilities. Research the specific clinic, check credentials, and read reviews. Quoted prices for major work like implants and crowns are often far below US list prices, but factor in travel, follow-up care, and what happens if something needs redoing.
How do dental discount plans work?
Dental discount plans charge an annual fee (commonly $80-200/year) and give you access to a network of dentists at a pre-set fee schedule instead of their usual rate. Unlike insurance, there are no waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums. Whether a plan is worth the fee depends on the work you need, so compare its fee schedule against the cash prices you are quoted.
Can I negotiate dental prices?
Yes. Many dentists offer a cash-pay discount, especially on expensive procedures. Ask about payment plans, prepay discounts, and whether they can match a competitor quote.
What dental procedures are most expensive?
Dental implants ($3,000-6,000 per tooth), full mouth reconstruction ($15,000-50,000), orthodontics ($3,000-8,000), and oral surgery are typically the most expensive. These are also where savings opportunities are largest.
Does Medicaid cover dental for adults?
Coverage varies by state. Some states offer comprehensive adult dental Medicaid benefits, others offer limited or emergency-only coverage. Check your state Medicaid program for specific coverage details.