When you have a toothache it’s hard to think about anything else, especially getting a job. Lack of dental coverage can make a small problem worse as treatment gets put off for other more immediate expenses. Unemployed people have a tendency to put off dental procedures until they can’t ignore it any more. Emergency trips to the dentist can extremely expensive.
Poor dental health can cost job seekers even more than money if it takes over their mouth. Rotting teeth can cause halitosis and put off anyone who gets too close. Missing, crooked and stained teeth can prohibit someone from getting a job especially when many companies advertise they are “hiring smiling faces.”
More than 100 million Americans don’t have dental insurance. Some dentists’ offices will work with patients to take care of their teeth on a sliding scale or offer low interest financing. Dental schools also provide a low cost option for under employed people who need work done on their teeth. Students practice procedures under the supervision of licensed instructors at a fraction of the price of an office visit.
State and national organizations affiliated with the dental Mission of Mercy (MoM) are excellent resources for free and low cost dental services as well. Local chapters organize events that bring together tons of dental volunteers and low or no income patients to perform on the spot extractions, restorations, cleaning and partial denture replacement.
Held in large venues for two days the dentists help about 1,000 people each day that would otherwise have to live in pain and just suffer through. All in all they have helped over 100,000 people and provided more than $50 in free services since 2000. People show up the night before and wait in line for hours to ensure their spot when the doors open in the morning.
Other organizations offer free clinics in particular cities and counties across the country. See if your area is equipped to provide dental care for free or close to it by checking with the Red Cross. Most services are limited to residents of the specific location but they can give you advice on ther places to look if you contact them.
The best defense against poor dental health is prevention. Brush and floss daily. Combat germs with mouthwashes and rinses. Keep your mouth clean and healthy to keep dental costs down and your smile bright whatever your financial situation.
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