In tough economic times, it’s tempting to cut regular dental checkups out of your budget.
But doing so may cost you more money in the long run.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings help prevent major dental health problems before they occur or diagnose and treat them at the first signs – saving you money.
While an average checkup costs approximately $43, a larger issue such as a root canal averages from $636 to $919 depending on the type of procedure.
Unfortunately, many Americans do not take these long-term implications into consideration when making personal budget cuts.
A recent study reported in the online edition of Health Services Research showed an inverse relationship between the number of dental visits and unemployment.
The study compiled 10 years of research from Washington Dental Services, the largest dental insurer in Washington. The data showed a negative correlation between unemployment and the number of dental visits, as the number of dental visits dropped by 1.2 percent for every 10,000 jobs lost.
For those who wish to keep their dental care current without breaking the bank, there are alternatives.
One solution is a discount dental plan, an alternative to dental insurance. If your employer does not offer dental insurance or if you cannot afford dental insurance, a discount dental plan is a great way to save valuable dollars at the dentist.
DentalPlans.com offers more than 30 plans and a choice of 100,000+ participating dentists in combined networks. Members save 10% to 60% on most dental services and plans start at just $79.95/year.
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