Communities

Yes. Many Missouri communities have clinics that offer dental care at reduced cost. Depending on your income and eligibility, you may qualify for:

• Sliding-fee clinics
• Community health centers
• Dental school clinics
• Donated dental services
• MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)

Visit the Department of Health and Senior Services to find low-to-no cost providers near you.

No. Dental professionals care for patients from many different backgrounds and understand that people may delay dental care for many reasons, including cost, transportation, health concerns, or lack of insurance.

Their goal is to help improve your oral health—not to judge your past dental history.

Dental anxiety is very common. Let the dental office know before your appointment if you’re feeling anxious.

Many dental teams can:

• Explain each step before treatment
• Take breaks during your appointment
• Answer your questions
• Discuss options to help keep you comfortable during treatment

Talking openly with your dental team can help make your visit a more positive experience.

If your dentist recommends treatment that isn’t covered by your insurance or is outside your budget, ask about:

• Payment plans
• Sliding-fee discounts
• Financing options
• Community clinics
• Referrals to lower-cost providers

Don’t be afraid to discuss costs before treatment begins. Your dental office can often help you understand your options.

Start by contacting the dental office. Ask for an itemized bill and an explanation of any charges.

If you have insurance, compare the bill with your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). If you still have questions, contact your insurance company or MO HealthNet Member Services for assistance.

Most people benefit from regular dental checkups every six months, but your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your oral health needs, age, medical history, or risk for dental disease.

Dental offices can often provide language assistance or reasonable accommodations if you request them ahead of time.

When scheduling your appointment, let the office know if you need:

• An interpreter
• American Sign Language (ASL) services
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Assistance completing forms
• Additional appointment time
• Other accommodations related to a disability

Providing advance notice helps the office prepare for your visit.

Call a dental office as soon as possible if you have:

• Severe tooth pain
• A broken or knocked-out tooth
• Swelling in your mouth or face
• A lost filling or crown
• Bleeding that won’t stop

Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if you have:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Severe facial swelling
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A serious injury to your face or jaw

Call a dental office as soon as possible if you have:

• Severe tooth pain
• A broken or knocked-out tooth
• Swelling in your mouth or face
• A lost filling or crown
• Bleeding that won’t stop

Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if you have:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Severe facial swelling
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A serious injury to your face or jaw