Dental cleanings?

I recently lost my insurance and could afford only the minimum possible expenses. I called my dentist to set up a cleaning but they insist that they must also do Xrays and exam, which will add an additional $150+ to my expenses. When I objected to the added xray & exam -- they said it is a must and no dentist will do a mere cleaning only without the exam and xrays. Is this true? I have additional people that I have to care for so an added $150 pp would add up quickly and aside from for the most part we have pretty good teeth, in fact my husband has never ever had a cavity in his life. So for now I want to keep up our leanings so that later on our problems won't amount to something greater.
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I understand your concerns about the costs piling up. In your situation, I would #1 get on a dental plan to reduce costs #2 explain the dentist your situation and if you can not come to an agreement, shop around for another dentist.
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