Start with an honest conversation about cost.

Share what feels financially manageable before you book. A dentist can consider your budget, understand what has made care difficult to begin, and explain what options might be available. Then you decide whether to connect.

Woman at home thoughtfully reviewing a blank sheet of paper
Dentist and patient reviewing treatment on a tablet at a desk

What sharing your budget changes.

You may not know exactly what dental care you need yet. And a dentist can’t estimate the cost of your treatment without first understanding your dental needs.

But that doesn’t mean your budget tells them nothing.

Your budget, insurance coverage, dental needs, concerns, priorities, and preferences help a dentist understand your situation and consider whether their practice may be a good fit.

A note about costs: Dentists set their own fees and determine their own treatment and payment options. Sharing your budget helps inform the conversation but does not guarantee a particular price or require a dentist to lower their fees.

Add what the questions don’t cover

Use your story to explain your situation, what matters most to you, what you’ve experienced before, and what you’d like a dentist to understand.

“I’ve delayed care because a previous treatment plan felt financially overwhelming. My biggest fear is paying to begin and then discovering I cannot afford the next step. I need someone who will explain the priorities and costs after examining me without pressuring me to decide immediately.”

Privacy note: Do not include your name, contact information, account numbers, or other identifying financial information.

MatchMyDentist form asking a patient to share their story anonymously

What a personal response could look like

ACCEPT shares your contact information so the practice can reach you about scheduling. DECLINE keeps you anonymous and lets you request another match.

MatchMyDentist

Dr. Michael Ferner

General Dentist

Website

Knowing more about your situation before we meet helps me understand what matters most to you. Your budget may not cover all the treatment you think you need, but after examining you, we can identify what’s urgent, discuss stages or alternatives, and go through costs and options. My goal is to help you understand what’s possible for your circumstances. No pressure, no judgment, we’ll just talk through options together.

ACCEPT DECLINE

Illustrative example—not a diagnosis, quote, or treatment offer.

If no dentist fits, we’ll tell you.

If we can’t match you with a dentist who can work within your needs, you’ll hear that from us. That saves you the time, cost, and frustration of an appointment that was never going to work.

Ready to take the next step?

Tell a dentist what you’re dealing with and what you need them to understand. Find out how they might approach your situation before deciding whether to connect.

Tell dentists what’s going on →

Free · Anonymous · About 5–8 minutes