How to get dental care when you can't take time off work

Your job matters. So does your mouth. But when every hour counts, a dental visit can feel like something you just can't fit in. The good news is that a little planning may make dental care easier to fit around your work schedule. You don't have to choose between your paycheck and your teeth. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Ask about early, evening or weekend appointments that may fit around your shift. 

• Delaying care can sometimes mean more treatment later. 

• Planning ahead may reduce the time you spend at the office. 

• Dental pain is a reason not to keep putting off care. 

 
If work makes it hard to get to the dental provider, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider and ask about times that may fit around your workday. Your care team can help you find an option that works with your schedule. 

Why so many working adults skip the dental provider 

You're not alone. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), about 100 million Americans do not see a dental provider each year. It also advises people with dental pain not to put off care.¹ 

For people with fixed work schedules, finding time can be a real barrier. If your work hours overlap with the dental office's, the appointment can be easy to keep pushing back. 

Some dental problems can become more involved when treatment is delayed. 

What happens when you delay 

A cavity can become more complicated if decay reaches the pulp inside the tooth. The ADA explains that a deep cavity can infect this inner tissue and may lead to root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is commonly completed in one or two visits, and local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable.² The tooth also needs a lasting restoration, such as a filling or crown. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) explains that fluoride can help reverse decay while the enamel is still intact. After a cavity develops, dental providers commonly remove the decayed tissue and place a filling.³ 

Getting care earlier does not guarantee a one-visit fix, but it may help you avoid more involved treatment. 

Finding a dental office that works around your hours 

A little research upfront can save you a lot of scheduling headaches later. Here's what to ask when you're comparing offices. 

Look for evening and weekend appointments 

Availability varies by office. When you call, ask whether the office offers early morning, evening or weekend appointments. If it does, you may be able to schedule around your shift. 

Ask directly: 

• Do you see patients in the evenings or on weekends? 

• What's the first available appointment outside my work hours? 

• Do you offer same-day visits for urgent needs? 
  

Ask about same-day care 

If you have a toothache or notice something wrong, tell the office when you call. Ask whether an urgent or same-day appointment is available and how quickly the dental provider thinks you should be seen. The office can help you figure out the next step. 

How to make your visit as short as possible 

A few small steps before your appointment can add up to real time saved once you're in the chair. Here's where to start. 

Fill out paperwork before you arrive 

If the office offers online forms, complete them before your appointment. That can give the team your information before you arrive. 

Know your insurance before you go 

Check your dental benefits ahead of time if you have questions about coverage or cost. This can reduce the time you spend sorting out benefit questions during your visit. 

Ask whether care can be grouped into fewer visits 

If you need an exam, X-rays and a cleaning, ask whether they can be done during the same visit when appropriate. Your dental team can tell you what can safely be combined. 

Use your lunch break for a cleaning 

If a lunch break is your only opening, ask how long the appointment is expected to take before you book it. Tell the office when you need to leave so they can tell you whether that type of visit fits your schedule. 

Gum disease and why you shouldn't wait on it 

Some gum problems can require specialty care. The American Academy of Periodontology says general dental providers may refer harder cases of gum disease to a periodontist. 

After dental school, periodontists complete at least three more years of specialty education. At a first visit, they review your health and dental history and examine your gums. That may include measuring the spaces around your teeth and taking X-rays.⁴ 

If your dental provider recommends a referral, ask both offices how the visits can best fit around your work schedule. 

Protect your teeth between visits 

What you do at home matters too. The NIDCR recommends fluoride toothpaste as part of twice-daily brushing, along with regular cleaning between your teeth. It also advises routine dental checkups and professional cleanings.³ 

If decay is found early, a dental provider may be able to use fluoride to stop or reverse it before a cavity forms.³ These steps help lower your risk of tooth decay between visits. 

There are a few more questions working adults often ask. Here are quick answers. 

Keep up with brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular dental visits, even when your schedule is busy. If it has been a while since your last visit, talk with your dental provider about the next step and how to fit care into your schedule. 

How to get dental care when you can't take time off work FAQs 

Still have questions about fitting dental care around work? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Can I be seen if I've never been to a particular dental office before? 

Yes. Most offices see new patients. Call ahead and let them know you're new. Ask if they can send paperwork to fill out beforehand. That saves time on the day of your visit. 

What if I can only afford a short appointment right now? 

Tell your dental provider. They can prioritize what needs attention most. A focused visit for one urgent issue is better than no visit at all. You can plan follow-up care around your schedule. 

Is a telehealth dental visit an option? 

Some offices offer a virtual consultation for a first look. A dental provider can review photos you submit and tell you what level of care you likely need. This won't replace an in-person exam, but it can help you decide how quickly to come in.⁵ 

What if my job doesn't give me any flexibility during the day at all? 

Start with what you can control. Look for a dental office with early morning, evening or Saturday hours. Some offices open as early as 7 a.m. or see patients on Sundays. If your schedule is truly fixed, a Saturday appointment may be your most reliable option. You can also ask your dental provider to consolidate as much care as possible into a single visit so you're not making multiple trips. 

Sources 

¹ American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: “Oral Health.” https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/oral-health 

² American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: “Root Canals.” https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/root-canals 

³ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Tooth Decay.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay 

⁴ American Academy of Periodontology: “What is a Periodontist?” https://www.perio.org/for-patients/what-is-a-periodontist/ 

⁵ American Dental Association: “ADA Policy on Teledentistry.” https://www.ada.org/about/governance/current-policies/ada-policy-on-teledentistry/