Healthcare Guide · Nashville
Affordable dental care in Nashville
Community health centers, dental schools, nonprofit clinics and sliding-scale providers offering low-cost cleanings, fillings, extractions and emergency dental care.
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Dental care you can afford
Finding affordable dental care in Nashville is possible, even if you do not have dental insurance. Community health centers, nonprofit clinics, dental schools, and sliding-scale providers help residents receive quality dental care every year at reduced costs.
Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or emergency treatment for a painful tooth, there are resources available throughout Middle Tennessee.
Can I see a dentist without insurance?
Yes.
Many affordable dentists in Nashville accept patients without dental insurance. Some charge reduced fees based on your household income, while others offer low-cost services through nonprofit organizations and community health centers.
Always ask about self-pay pricing and payment plans before your appointment.
How much does affordable dental care cost?
Every clinic sets its own prices. Ask for the self-pay price and the sliding-fee price in writing before treatment.
Community clinics and dental schools often charge significantly less than private practices.
What services are available?
Many affordable dental clinics provide:
- Dental exams
- Teeth cleanings
- Digital X-rays
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Emergency dental care
- Children's dentistry
- Preventive care
- Oral health education
Some clinics also provide dentures, crowns, root canals, or specialty referrals.
Sliding-scale dental clinics
A sliding fee scale adjusts your cost based on your income and family size. You may need:
- Photo ID
- Proof of income
- Proof of address
- Insurance or TennCare information, if applicable
Even if you do not qualify for free care, you may still receive a significant discount.
Emergency dental care
Do not ignore severe tooth pain, swelling, or a broken tooth.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if tooth or facial swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow, speak, or open your mouth, if swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, or if you have swelling with a fever. These can be signs of a spreading infection (NHS, dental abscess).
Many community clinics reserve appointments for dental emergencies. Calling early in the morning often improves your chances of being seen the same day.
Does TennCare cover dental care?
TennCare covers dental care for children under 21 and, since January 2023, for all adult TennCare members 21 and older at no cost for covered services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, and extractions. TennCare dental questions: Renaissance, 866-864-2526. Details are on the TennCare dental services page.
Can I get dental care with an ITIN?
Many community health centers are nonprofits that do not ask about immigration status. Policies can change, so ask the clinic when you call.
Some providers accept an ITIN or other forms of identification instead of a Social Security number. Requirements vary by clinic, so call ahead to ask which documents are accepted.
Affordable dental care for children
Children may qualify for preventive and restorative dental services including:
- Cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Fillings
- Regular exams
If your child has TennCare, additional services may be covered.
Dental schools can save money
Dental schools provide care performed by students under the supervision of licensed dentists.
Appointments often take longer, but treatment is usually much less expensive than at a private dental office.
Where to start
- Meharry School of Dentistry clinic, 1801 Meharry Blvd, 615-327-6900, Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Reduced rates; Meharry describes its services as affordable but not free of charge.
- Interfaith Dental, 600 Hill Ave, Suite 101, 615-329-4790, interfaithdental.com. Nonprofit clinic; ask about eligibility.
- Lentz Dental Clinic (Metro Public Health Department), 2500 Charlotte Ave, Suite 230, 615-340-5601: comprehensive dental care for age 20 and under, limited emergency care for adults 21 and older; accepts TennCare or a sliding fee based on income (details).
- Neighborhood Health dental clinics (sliding fee) at Welshwood, 419 Welshwood Dr, Cleveland Park, and Napier Place: 615-227-3000, neighborhoodhealthtn.org.
- HRSA Find a Health Center: search by address for federally funded health centers near you that charge based on income.
Beyond these, this is usually the best order to try:
- Community health centers
- Sliding-scale dental clinics
- Dental school clinics
- Nonprofit dental programs
- Emergency dental providers
Starting with these resources can help you find quality care while keeping costs low.
Before your appointment
- Photo ID
- Proof of income
- Insurance or TennCare card, if you have one
- Current medications
- Previous dental records, if available
The bottom line
Affordable dental care in Nashville is available, even without insurance. Community clinics, dental schools, nonprofit providers, and sliding-scale programs make it possible to receive cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, and emergency treatment without paying private practice prices.
Do not wait until a small dental problem becomes a painful emergency. Seeking treatment early is almost always easier and less expensive.
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