Dental costs in DE (Dover, Seaford: coupon, insurance, home)

[NYC refugee]

Sweet mother of God, how do you people afford to keep teeth in your mouths? I spent a week trying to find someone affordable and the prices I was quoted were staggering. I have no dental insurance and there is no such thing that I can find in the entire state of DE to help people without a lot of income or any coverage. In the end, I couldn't walk around with the problem any longer and made an appointment with a good practice (so I judged through guesswork based on what I could read) because if you're going bankrupt, you might as well have good care as bad. They could not handle the problem and sent me to a specialist. They charged me a packet for this good advice, though I have to say they were state of the art and kind and I'd recommend them. However, if my worst enemy's dead dog had a toothache so bad it woke him from the grave, I wouldn't send him to the butcher I saw yesterday. I have not ever met such a rude, hostile, angry medical "professional" and I hope I never have to cross paths with him again. I don't know how he keeps staff since he treats them the same way. He also charged me over his estimate.

I already have a recommendation in MD and I may, since I'm paying out of pocket, cross the border for any more work.

Do you all have any suggestions or know something I don't know? I would certainly appreciate any helpful input to make my next experience more bearable.

[NJBoy3]

Temple University (Philly) has a respected dental school with a clinic. I have even thought of going over. Please keep us posted.

https://dentistry.temple.edu/patient-info/dental-pass

https://dentistry.temple.edu/patient-info

[skeddy]

https://wallethub.com/edu/states-wit...-health/31498/

[StillRoaming]

A couple of years ago, my Delaware mother switched from her long-time Maryland dentist to a local Delaware one. The new Delaware dentist charged so much more than her old dentist. She was shocked at the difference but likes the new dentist enough to stick around.

I'm in Florida and buy an individual plan at dentalplans for around $100 yearly. It's not an insurance policy but more of an agreement the dentists have to charge less to members. The yearly fee just about covers the discount I receive for cleanings and checkups. You have to check that the policy you buy has local dentists who will accept it. As an example, without the plan, I had a root canal and crown for about $1,000. My next root canal and crown with the plan only cost about $600. If you buy a plan, check first for coupon codes. I usually manage to find 15% or so off. I get the Cigna Preferred Plan here and have had been extremely pleased with the dentists and the pricing. I realize I'm lucky that we have very good dentists in my area that charge much less than those in Delaware and other more northern states.

[soulsurv]

Originally Posted by NJBoy3

Temple University (Philly) has a respected dental school with a clinic. I have even thought of going over. Please keep us posted.

https://dentistry.temple.edu/patient-info/dental-pass

https://dentistry.temple.edu/patient-info

A very good friend of mine recommends the Temple School very highly. She has had a LOT of work done there. As for me, if and when I end up in mid-DE, I am keeping the dentist in PA I have now. NO WAY would I leave a dentist who gives gas for cavities for DENTAL-PHOBES like me. Plus, she's married to my cardiologist

[nuts2uiam]

First off, dental insurance literally pays pennies on the dollar regardless of the insurance. Yes, some is better than nothing, an dI understand that point. Secondly, in the beach area most do not participate in dental insurance and they will submit claims on your behalf but the billing is at our of network rates. DH still has his Long Island dentist and we are keeping his $37 p/m dental insurance. I needed a new crown and 3 trips back home was not happening so I cancelled my insurance and pay the piper here. Truth be told, it is not cheap. The closest dentist that accepted our Cigna plan is just about 40 miles away and in our minds that was a bit too far for us to have to drive and start all over again with a dentist.

[citygirl3133]

Depending on where you are in DE, you might also have closer access to University of Maryland's Rural Dentistry program:

[NYC refugee]

Thanks for replies and suggestions. What I find most interesting is that not even one single native Delawarean had anything to say on this subject.

[DelawareLiz]

Here I am--native here!! Just got online on this beautiful day. I totally agree--GOOD LUCK finding an affordable dentist in Delaware...at least within an hour of my home. Luckily, I have been blessed with excellent teeth and wonderful dentist for the first forty-some years of my life--Dr. Jeffrey Brown in Georgetown, DE. LOVED HIM. He was a local and just a great guy, very talented and never tried to gouge anyone. However, he passed away suddenly over a year ago and I have been too shocked at the prices quoted to go for my annual cleaning at a new dentist. They all charge a new patient fee/exam because they are demanding full sets of xrays--not just the bite-wings my dentist did every two years since I was a very low risk dental patient. The new patient exam, full set of xrays, and cleaning quotes at all Sussex dentists (some Kent too) have been from $370--500. $370 was in Seaford and I think that's where I am going unless a local Bethany dentist will accept the Delta Dental plan I am FINALLY starting in July. Delta is pretty good; they typically pay eighty percent. It's offered to state employees.

All this being said, we do have some very good dentists here BUT you pay for it dearly--just like veterinary care. Both of these are much higher than average. I do have a dentist that I want to warm people about on here who likes to pretend you have cavities when you really don't and haven't had any for years...happened to my husband and others I know. This dentist is also very expensive. My husband got sick of being told he needed fillings at every visit and switched to my dentist who told him he has great teeth and never gave him any fillings. Husband has since switched to Dr. Lynch in Seaford (his dentist when he was a kid) and he is pleased. Please DM me for the name of the dentist who likes to say everyone has cavities and needs fillings.

NYC Refugee--please DM me the name of this butcher. My husband's oral surgeon retired and I want to be sure he does not see this person you speak of to get a procedure done.

[retiree2011]

I lost a filling right before I moved and had no chance to get it filled. Called a dentist in Dover area and was told at least $400 to see me and evaluate. I also have no dental insurance right now. I did not want to let it go too long and called another dentist, got an appointment and had xrays done and tooth filled for $165. I was surprised by the low cost and he was a wonderful friendly person. I was afraid I would see someone who would find other problems since I have not been without dental insurance before, but that was not the case. Will definitely go back to him. Sometimes you just get luck.


Good luck to you!