Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?What It Pays For and Where to Look Next

If you’re leaving a job or turning 65, your dental coverage may change. Here are answers to the questions that come up most.

Does Original Medicare pay for cleanings, fillings or dentures?

In most cases, no. Medicare.gov¹ says Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures or implants.¹

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, when dental care is tied to certain covered medical treatment. Medicare.gov¹ lists examples including:¹

• Oral exams and treatment before a heart valve replacement, organ transplant or kidney transplant
• Removing teeth to treat a mouth infection before cancer chemotherapy
• Treating complications during head and neck cancer care
• Certain dental exams and infection treatment related to dialysis for kidney failure

For dental services covered under Part B, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.¹ If you’re facing one of these treatments, ask your medical team whether dental clearance is needed and how it will be billed.

Does Medicare Advantage cover dental care?

It may. Medicare.gov² says Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as some dental services.² Plans may require you to use dentists in their network, and some services may need prior authorization.²

Before you choose a plan for its dental benefit, ask:

• Which services are covered: cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, dentures, implants?
• Is there a yearly dollar limit on dental benefits?
• What share do I pay for each type of care?
• Is my dentist in the network?
• Are there waiting periods for major work?

Where else can I find lower-cost dental care?

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research³ lists several options:³

• Dental and dental hygiene schools, where supervised students provide care at reduced cost
• Federally funded community health centers, where you pay based on income
• Medicaid, which covers dental care in some states
• Your state or local health department, or by calling 2-1-1
• United Way, which may point you to free or reduced-cost services
• Clinical trials, which sometimes include limited free or low-cost treatment

How do I keep costs down in the meantime?

Ask your dentist for a written treatment plan with prices, which items are urgent and which can wait, and whether a payment plan is available. Keep up daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth.

Try: “I’ve just lost my dental insurance. Can you give me a written plan that shows what’s urgent, what can wait, and the cash price for each item?”

Is It My Breath? includes a visit script. Use it to organize your questions about treatment, priorities and costs before your next dental appointment.