Dental insurance can make it easier to manage your child’s oral health needs, but not all employers include it in their benefits. On top of that, standalone dental policies are often too pricey for many families to afford.
Should a lack of dental coverage prevent you from taking your children to a pediatric dentist? At the Kids Dental Office of Phoenix, we can help you understand the true cost of pediatric dental work and assist in finding ways to pay if you have no insurance. To learn more about your payment options or to set up an appointment for dentistry services, call (602) 903-4894 to talk with a child dentistry specialist at our Phoenix office.
What are the Average Costs for Pediatric Dentistry in Arizona?
The cost of child dentistry in Arizona can vary based on several factors. These can include where you are located in the state, the experience of the dentist or orthodontist, the nature of the specific dental needs, and whether you have any insurance alternatives available.
The Location of Services
Dental visits in large metropolitan areas like Phoenix often cost more than in smaller towns. This is usually due to higher operating expenses in major cities that are typically passed on to clients.
The Experience of the Dentist or Orthodontist
Highly experienced child dentists often cost more than those who are just starting out in their dental careers. In fact, one affordable way to get dental work done is to visit a dental school and have your work done by a dentist-in-training under the supervision of experienced professionals.
The Nature of the Dental Services
Child dental services range from routine checkups to complex oral surgeries, with costs increasing as the procedures become more complicated.
Here are some estimated price ranges for pediatric dentistry work based on the type of treatment.
Routine Dental Practices
Regular checkups and preventive services, such as teeth cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatment, can cost $60 to $150.
Dental Treatment Services
When preventive care isn’t enough, and issues like cavities, gum disease, or chipped teeth arise, the costs increase. The table below outlines the average prices for these services.
| Procedure | Arizona Average Cost |
| Cavity Filling – Two-Surface Resin Composite | $270 |
| Crown – Porcelain/Ceramic | $1,275 |
| Root Canal – Molar | $1,225 |
| Tooth Extraction – Per Tooth | $220 |
| Periodontal (Gum Disease) Treatment | $150 |
| Braces | $2,500 to $10,000, average cost of $6,000 to $7,000 |
| Clear Aligners, such as Invisalign | $3,000 to $7,500 |
Ways to Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Pediatric Dentistry Costs
If you don’t have child dental insurance coverage, there are still ways to reduce or cover dental costs in full. Below are some cost-saving alternatives to paying the full cost of dental services.
Dental Payment Plans
Many pediatric dentistry practices offer payment plans that allow you to pay the cost of dental services over time in installments. Some require no payment upfront, while others require an initial sum at the time of service and spread the balance out. In some instances, there may be a small service fee added to each installment payment.
Dental Credit Cards
Dental credit cards like CareCredit and iCare offer a way to spread the cost of child dental services over time, often with lower interest rates or no interest if paid within a set time period. Before applying for a credit line, check to make sure your dental office accepts such payments.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
AHCCCS, Arizona’s federally funded Medicaid program, can pay for all the cost of children’s dental care up to the age of 21 for families that qualify. To learn more, check out our guide on AHCCCS requirements.
Arizona KidsCare Insurance
If your family does not qualify for AHCCCS dental insurance, you may still be eligible for Arizona KidsCare coverage.
KidsCare operates under the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). and provides affordable dental coverage for children under 21 from families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but do not earn enough to afford health insurance. CHIP covers dental services, doctor visits, prescriptions, and vision care.
Dental Promotions
Some dental offices offer promotions and other offers of reduced-cost coverage. When learning about services and setting up appointments, it is a good idea to ask your child’s dentist if they are currently offering any deals.
Dental Clinics and Dental Schools
In the Phoenix area, community health clinics often offer free or discounted dental services for routine and emergency care to people without dental insurance. These services may also be provided to children.
Dental schools also offer limited dental services for lower costs. These services allow dental students to work with actual patients at a discounted rate or, in some cases, for free.
Annual Dental Memberships and Dental Savings Plans
Annual dental memberships and savings plans work through membership fees, usually paid annually. In return for your membership fee, the program provides dental services at reduced rates. Covered services vary, but some plans will cover orthodontics as well as basic pediatric dentistry.
Call the Kids Dental Office of Phoenix to Discuss Your Child’s Oral Health Needs
From baby teeth to braces, The Kids’ Dental Office of Phoenix & Orthodontics is proud to serve the Phoenix-metro area’s pediatric dentistry needs. Our office is located at 1934 E. Camelback Road in Suite 110 on the northwest corner of 19th St. and Camelback, next to Bank of America.
Our doors are open for all pediatric dental care needs, even emergencies. Just give us a call at (602) 903-4894 or contact us online. We also offer teledentistry or virtual consultations so that you can speak to a dentist from your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Providing for kids’ specific needs and essential services is our greatest privilege, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the help you need.
We accept many dental insurance plans, including AHCCCS and Medicaid, and will file claims on your behalf, saving you time and hassle. Our knowledgeable benefit coordinators can help you maximize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We will tell you upfront what your insurance plan will pay for and offer options for taking care of any remaining balance.
