Taking care of your health can get busy and, for a lot of us, can be really expensive. Dental care is especially hard to stay on top of when costs tend to exceed our budgets. You know you need dental care, but you have to ask yourself:
“Can I afford dental care?”.
With some planning, affording dental care is possible for most people. Options like choosing the right coverage and exploring local resources can help reduce costs. This guide explains why prices vary, how to assess your needs, and practical ways to keep care affordable without skipping those important check-ups.
Why Affordable Dental Care Matters
Your oral health is key to your overall well-being. Issues like gum disease can link to heart problems and diabetes, and untreated dental issues can cause pain and affect eating or speaking. Regular check-ups, cleanings, and preventive care can catch small problems early and reduce the chance of costly emergencies like root canals or extractions. The cost of implants create another challenge to budget-conscious patients. No matter the state of your dental health, affordable dental care ensures you stay healthy while keeping long-term costs down.
Are Dental Care Costs Getting Higher?
You’re not imagining it: dental costs have risen significantly in recent years due to modern technology like digital X-rays and high-quality materials as well as operational and business challenges to providers post-pandemic.
Additionally, healthcare spending in general has increased across the country because of inflation, supply costs, and technology. According to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation, total healthcare spending grew by 7.5% between 2022 and 2023, accelerating from a 4.6% growth rate in the preceding period.
Assess Your Budget and Care Needs
Review your monthly budget and expected dental costs, including any pre-tax contributions from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Knowing what procedures you’ll need ahead of time will help predict the costs of dental implants, extractions, and fillings. When you know the details, affording dental care becomes easier, allowing you to plan confidently.
Utilize Your Workplace’s Dental Benefits
Some employers offer dental coverage as part of their workplace benefits package. If that’s the case for you, it could be an affordable way to enroll in coverage at a low group rate. The out-of-pocket costs for group or employer dental plans tend to be lower than other health benefits and when the coverage is paid directly from your paycheck, it may be a lot easier to budget for your monthly premium costs.
If you're an employer looking to provide benefits that could make a difference in your employees health and work-place satisfaction, see our group plans here.
Find Low-Cost Dental Care in Your Community
Local resources can help make affording dental care more achievable:
- Community health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
- Dental schools provide care at lower costs under professional supervision.
- Nonprofits may offer specific services for those in financial hardship.
- Universary of Washington's Teaching Clinics.
- Clinics and programs providing reduced cost dental care, this list was provided by Seattle-King County Dental Association.
- Seattle Clinic Day which is held at Seattle Center on April 23-26, 2026 providing FREE dental, vision, medical, and social services. Our own Delta Dental of Washington employees participate by volunteering at this clinic each year.
- DentistLink is a free referral service that helps connect you to dental care in Washington, brought to you by Arcora Foundation, the foundation of Delta Dental of Washington.
These options bridge gaps when you're without insurance, ensuring dental care doesn’t become a barrier.
Invest in a Washington Health Benefit Exchange (WAHBE) or Individual and Family Dental Plan
Another way to get dental coverage is through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (WAHBE). This program was created under the Affordable Care Act. It offers an online marketplace where people and families in Washington State can shop for dental and health plans. Learn more about WAHBE dental plans offered by Delta Dental of Washington.
Note that you may only sign up for a WAHBE plan between November 1 and January 15 of each year unless you experience a major life change, such as getting married, changing jobs, or having a baby.
For long-term, consistent, affordable, and quality care, consider purchasing an Individual and Family dental plan from Delta Dental of Washington. These plans have annual contracts and offer a range of coverage options and monthly premiums far below what you would pay for general medical benefits. Plus, you can enroll in them at any time of the year.
By enrolling in a Delta Dental of Washington Individual and Family Plan, you’ll have consistent access to a large network of dentists and preventive care at little or no cost so that you can stay ahead of your dental health and decrease your likelihood of needing major, expensive dental procedures later.
Use Tools and Ask Questions to Plan Confidently
Ask for a written treatment plan with itemized fees and alternatives from your dentist. Use online tools such as our Dental Care Cost Estimator to approximate treatment costs in your zip code beforehand and our Find a Dentist tool to make sure that your dentist is in-network to save you the most money when receiving dental care. Still have questions? Bring them to your appointment to help ensure affording dental care remains within reach.
