Hello Fellow moms,
My husband and I do not have dental insurance, and it's been two years since we've been seen. I have a tendency toward cavities, and I'm sure some of my sealants need repair, so I don't want to wait too long. We used a cash plan last time, but it was still pretty expensive (i.e. $280/person for two check-ups and cleanings and one set of x-rays in a year, with 25% off anything else needed).
So my question is, in your experience am I better off shopping around for dental insurance, or do you know of a dentist with a reasonable cash plan? I just need a cleaning and general check-up for my husband and I. We don't have any reason (right now) to think that there are any other problems for us.
Thanks for your input! (By the way, the kids are taken care of, so doesn't need to be pediatric dentist. Also, we live in the Alderwood area of Lynnwood, and though I'm not opposed to driving a bit I would consider somewhere like Redmond or West Seattle a little farther than I would prefer!)
UW and lake washington technical college (kirkland) both have dental programs and have clinics open to the public. you would have a student working on you, but they are supervised by an experienced dentist. my friend went to the UW for a crown. i think he thought it took longer than normal but the work was fine, and much less expensive.
Hi J.,..
looks like the other two posts already had my idea... check out the local dental hygenist schools.
good luck..
J.,
Shoreline Community College has a dental school that I have used in the past for some dental work. I don't remember all their prices but I do remember that a sealant for teeth is $10 a tooth. I also had a composite filling done there in addition to the exam, cleaning and x-rays. Because it's the students doing the work the prices are lower. However, the students have to get instructor approval before they do anything, and also have to show/explain their thinking before they proceed.
Hope this helps,
Melissa
