We don’t have dental insurance, and it is awful. For one kid to have a cleaning and x-rays is almost $300. Three kids, twice a year (well, x-rays are only once a year) and it adds up fast. One of my kids had problems with the enamel on this baby teeth and needed several expensive procedures. We were lucky enough to find a small dental office with an extremely nice husband and wife dental team. Sometimes they don’t charge us for x-rays. My son needed a spacer, which usually costs several hundred dollars, and he charged us $60. I do admit to bribing him with cookies. We thank him by referring everyone we know to his practice.
But still, they can’t give us breaks on everything. Right now two of the kids need cleanings. My son’s spacer fell out because the tooth it was attached to is loose. My other son’s baby teeth are really close together and I know he is going to need teeth pulled and work done to make room for his grownup teeth. I am going to have to make appointments for them soon but I am dreading the ridiculous cost. :( My husband and I haven’t been to a dentist in ages.
Your friend can look for a dentist that accepts CareCredit. We don’t use it and I can’t comment on their service or anything, but it might be an option. The only other thing I can suggest is seeing if she has anything to work out a “trade” with a small local dental office. Someone independent. Also ask if they have a cash discount (we get a percentage off for paying in full at the time of the visit).
I’m curious why your friend’s catastrophic insurance is so expensive? Does she have a preexisting condition or other risk factors? If not, she should get another quote or shop around. Last time I looked into that for our family of five, I got a quote of less than $300 a month.