Tooth pain can't wait — and you don't need insurance or a lot of money.
UMKC's dental school sees walk-in emergency patients in pain
(first-come: 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.). Sliding-scale clinics and ways to cut your
prescription costs are below.
When a tooth is an emergency: face or neck swelling,
fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing means an
infection is spreading — that's dangerous. Go to an emergency room or call
911 now. For pain without those signs, the help below is for you.
Going somewhere in person? Call first. Hours, funding,
and walk-in rules change fast — the phone number on each card is the
quickest way to make sure before you make the trip.
1. Tooth pain — low-cost dental care
UMKC School of Dentistry — emergency walk-in for pain
The dental school treats patients at a third to half of private cost. For a
painful tooth, walk-in emergency care is first-come, at
7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. ($55 assessment fee plus treatment). For
regular appointments, call ahead.
211 — find a free or sliding-scale dental clinic near you
Other community clinics (Swope Health, KC CARE, and more) offer dental on a
sliding scale on both sides of the state line. Dial 211 and
ask for low-cost dental near you.
Free discount cards — up to 80% off, no insurance needed
Before you pay full price, check a free discount card — they often beat the
cash price at the pharmacy counter, and you don't need insurance. Show it on your
phone:
NeedyMeds — patient assistance for costly medicines
For an expensive brand-name medication, drug companies have programs that give
it free or nearly free if you qualify. NeedyMeds helps you find and apply, and
lists free/low-cost clinics too.
Can't afford ongoing meds — 211 & community clinics
Community health centers (Swope Health, KC CARE, Samuel Rodgers) have
sliding-scale pharmacies, and some offer free medications through charitable
programs. Dial 211 and ask for prescription assistance.