• Compare Quotes – Ask for a treatment plan from your dentist, including pricing, and then ask a second dentist for a quote for the same work. This can help ensure you pay a fair price for the treatment you need.
  
  
• Check Dental Schools – Universities with dental programs often provide low-cost care. Treatment is done by students and is supervised by licensed dentists. This option can be less convenient than a normal dentist appointment, but you can often save 50% or even 75% on the procedure. 

“I found a dental school clinic nearby that charged half the price for my crown,” one patient told reddit.com. “It took longer to schedule but saved me almost $800.”

• Look for Community Clinics and Sliding Scale Centers – Federally qualified health centers and nonprofit dental clinics charge based on income and won’t turn anyone away for inability to pay.
  
  

• Ask About New Patient Specials and Cash Discounts – Many dental offices offer discounts for new patients. Others will offer a discount if you pay cash up front.
  
  

• Take Advantage of Dental Discount Plans – Joining one of these plans (often at $100–200 per year) gives you access to reduced rates at participating dentists. Think of it as a Costco membership for dental work.
  
  

• Seek Out Hospital Programs and Residency Clinics – Teaching hospitals with dental or oral surgery residency programs often provide specialized procedures (like root canals or surgical extractions) at reduced prices.
  
  

• Search for Charity and Nonprofit Events – Organizations like Mission of Mercy, Remote Area Medical, and Dentistry From the Heart often set up free dental clinics. The lines can be long, but you can often receive hundreds of dollars’ worth of care for free.
  
  

• Explore Payment Plans – Many dentists work with financing companies or offer in-house installment plans, which can allow you to spread dental expenses over months instead of paying all at once.