---
title: "What Is Self-pay patient? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A self-pay patient pays for dental care out of pocket instead of through insurance. Payment is due from the patient, often at the time of care."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/self-pay-patient
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Insurance and Billing

# Self-pay patient

A self-pay patient pays for dental care out of pocket instead of through insurance. Payment is due from the patient, often at the time of care.

A self-pay patient is someone who pays the dental bill directly rather than through a dental plan. This may be a person with no dental coverage, or someone who chooses not to use a plan.

The ADA's MouthHealthy site notes that without dental coverage, it may be difficult to pay for all procedures at the time you have them done. Options include a [membership plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-membership-plan), [financing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-financing), or a payment plan. Some offices offer discounts for payment at the time of service. Terms are set by each office.

Ask the office for an estimate in writing before treatment. A written [treatment plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/treatment-plan) helps you compare options. This entry does not state any practice policy. See the [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing).

## Related terms

-   [Dental membership plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-membership-plan)
-   [Dental financing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-financing)
-   [Treatment plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/treatment-plan)
-   [Dental insurance](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-insurance)
-   [Fee schedule](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fee-schedule)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Care Financing Plans](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care/financing-plans)
2.  [ADA MouthHealthy: 7 Ways to Find Free or Low-Cost Dental Care](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care/finding-affordable-dental-care)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)