The Saturday Dentist Isn't A Myth - New Trends In Dental Offices

Did you ever think it would be possible to make a dental appointment on a Saturday? Dentist offices are adapting to busier weekday schedules and patient demands for more flexible services, including the occasional weekend cavity fill, root canal, or braces tightening. In addition to working more convenient hours, dental practices are offering patients more perks in order to remain competitive and retain clients. If you thought you couldn't afford dental work in the past or there was no such thing as a Saturday dentist, you might be surprised with what options are available to you now.

Weekend Work
More and more employees working 9 to 5 are having difficulties squeezing in a dental visit during a short lunch hour. It may also be difficult to get permission to leave in the afternoon for an appointment, which can also mean lost wages. For the past several years the industry has been reluctant to provide weekend services. Fortunately, many smaller offices are now taking note and are opening for a few business hours on Saturday. Dentist appointments for this day may still be a little bit difficult to schedule due to high demand, but it's clearly a push in the right direction for an industry that has remained largely inflexible about working hours.

Payment Plans
Dental care is expensive, even just for basic cleanings and checkups, which is why it's crucial for offices to implement payment schemes for those with financial difficulties. There are also some private loan companies that offer interest free periods for up to 12 months, in which time many patients can pay the entire bill completely without extra costs. Patients should also always inquire about any discounts when paying up front for services with cash. With the insurance company cut out, the office will generate a larger profit. That means you can expect anywhere from a 10% to 30% discount, so be ready to do some negotiating.

Promotions
There's a lot of money to be made in cosmetic dentistry, but insurance companies are not going to cover these treatments, which is why practices are luring in more clients with promotions and discounts. These deals can mean huge savings for customers, if they know where to look. Sign up for mailing lists, check websites, and look at the local newspaper to see what is being advertised. If you are currently happy with your dental office but another is offering a discount, ask if they would be willing to match the offer. Providing an office with referrals can also result in a price reduction on your next treatment.

Insurance Alternatives
In order to make their services more available to those without insurance, some practices join up in discount networks. Patients can join for an annual membership fee that would be the fraction of the cost of a traditional insurance plan, and there are programs for both families and individuals. Before joining, you'll want to be sure there are enough offices near you that accept this service and ensure that their current pricing is accurate.