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Den's Dental Blog

Hello! My name is Den. This blog is going to cover a range of dental topics. I am not a dentist or a dental nurse but I have recently undergone a lot of dental treatment. This treatment has given me a great insight into the world of dentistry and I would like to share everything I have learnt with you here. Last year, I developed terrible pain in my mouth. I was diagnosed with severe tooth decay. The dentist removed the problem teeth and then inserted false ones in their place. He also whitened my teeth to improve my smile. I hope you find my blog useful.

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3 Amazing Ways to Save Money When It Comes to Dental Care

by Myrtle Banks

Have you ever been guilty of putting off important dental work because of the cost involved? This is obviously not the wisest course of action. While you can live with minor dental problems, it's only a matter of time before they become significant dental problems, making complex and expensive dental work necessary. There are a number of key ways to save money while still receiving a high standard of dental care. It's all about knowing where to look.

Bulk Billing Dentist

They're not a particularly common sight, but there are a few bulk billing dentists around. This might necessitate you going to a different dentist than usual, but it can be worth it for the savings. There is no national database for bulk billing dentists, but a quick internet search based upon your location should return a number of results. Remember that bulk billing dentists are often booked out many months in advance and so you might need to pay up-front if you require an emergency treatment. Having said that, seeing a bulk billing dentist can be a fantastic way to save money on standard dental treatments. Be aware that some dentists only offer bulk billing services to certain patients, such as holders of a Low Income Health Care Card, Seniors Card holders, those with a valid tertiary student ID card, or children. This is entirely at the discretion of the respective dentists, and this is why you might need to hunt for a bulk billing dentist who is able to treat you.

University Clinic

Dentists have to start somewhere, and there are a number of university dental clinics where senior students work on members of the public under the watchful eye of a senior dentist. These treatments are not free, but you can expect to pay a fraction of the cost of when you visit a regular dental clinic. University dental clinics do not accept all patients, as it depends on whether the students need training with your particular ailment. Having said that, it's rare for a patient to be turned away. As the clinic only sees patient during the university semester, they may also be unsuitable for dental emergencies.

Dental Care Plan

Different from dental insurance, a dental care plan enables you to receive a significant discount on the cost of dental services for an upfront annual fee. There are no claims to be made, you simply give your membership details while making your dental appointment, and your bill is then amended accordingly. You might even be entitled to additional rebates from your medical insurance provider, if you have one. There are an ever-growing number of dental care plan providers in Australia, but before signing up, you should find out how many dental service providers they have in your area. You don't want to have to drive for two hours for a dental appointment! Having said that, the no-waiting aspect of the plan, coupled with the fact that the existing state of your teeth does not factor into the cost of membership, can make this a very alluring prospect.

When you have a dental emergency, you should seek dental treatment as soon as possible. But it's great to know that there are a number of low-cost options when time is not such a factor.

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