Medicare doesn't cover routine dental care, so you'll need to choose a separate plan
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, or root canals. The only dental work Medicare covers is tooth extraction or other dental surgery when it's medically necessary — for example, if you need a tooth removed before radiation therapy for cancer. For everything else, you pay out of pocket or buy coverage separately.
This gap affects most seniors. If you want dental coverage after 65, you have three main routes: a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental, a standalone dental insurance plan, or a dental discount program. Each works differently and costs different amounts depending on what you need done.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare covers almost no dental work, only tooth extraction when medically necessary for another treatment.
- Medicare Advantage plans often include dental benefits, but coverage limits and networks vary widely by plan and region.
- Standalone dental insurance for seniors typically costs $100 to $200 per month and often has waiting periods for major work.
- Dental discount programs charge a membership fee instead of insurance premiums and offer discounts at participating dentists, with no waiting periods.
- You can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with dental during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event.
Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage
If you're on Original Medicare and want dental coverage, switching to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is often the easiest route. Many Advantage plans include dental benefits as part of the package. Some cover preventive care only (exams, cleanings, X-rays), while others also cover basic work like fillings and extractions, and a smaller number cover major work like crowns and root canals.
The catch is that coverage limits are strict. A plan might cover two cleanings per year but cap major work at $500 or $1,000 annually. You also have to use dentists in the plan's network — going out of network usually means paying the full cost yourself. Networks vary by region, so you need to check whether your current dentist is included before you enroll.
Medicare Advantage plans with dental typically cost $0 to $50 per month in premiums, but you still pay copays at the dentist's office. A cleaning might be $0, a filling $50 to $100, and a crown $200 to $500 depending on the plan. You can switch to an Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or if you have a may have access to life event like moving out of state.
Standalone dental insurance for seniors
If you want to stay on Original Medicare or your current Advantage plan doesn't have good dental coverage, you can buy a standalone dental insurance plan. These are sold by private insurers and work like traditional insurance: you pay a monthly premium, meet a deductible, and then the plan covers a percentage of the cost.
Premiums for seniors typically range from $100 to $200 per month depending on the plan and what it covers. Most plans have a deductible of $50 to $150 per year. After you meet the deductible, the plan usually covers preventive care at 100% (cleanings and exams), basic work at 70% to 80% (fillings, extractions), and major work at 50% (crowns, root canals, bridges). Many plans also have an annual maximum benefit — often $1,000 to $1,500 — meaning the plan stops paying once you hit that limit in a calendar year.
A major drawback is the waiting period. Most standalone plans don't cover basic work for 6 to 12 months after you enroll, and major work for 12 to 24 months. If you need a crown now, you'll likely pay for it yourself and can't use the plan until the waiting period ends. Preventive care is usually covered right away with no waiting period.
Dental discount programs as an alternative
A dental discount program is not insurance — it's a membership that gives you discounts at participating dentists. You pay an annual or monthly membership fee (usually $80 to $200 per year) and then receive discounts of 10% to 60% off the dentist's regular fees. There are no waiting periods, no deductibles, and no annual maximums.
Discount programs work best if you know which dentist you want to use and can confirm they're in the program's network. Savings vary by procedure and by dentist. A cleaning might save you $20, a filling $30 to $50, and a crown $200 to $400. You pay the dentist directly at the time of service and receive the discount when ready.
The trade-off is that you have less financial protection if something expensive comes up. With insurance, the plan shares the cost; with a discount program, you pay the full discounted price yourself. Discount programs are most useful for people who only need routine care or who have specific procedures planned and want to know the cost upfront.
Comparing costs: insurance versus discount programs
| Type | Monthly Cost | Waiting Periods | Annual Maximum | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage with dental | $0–$50 (plus copays) | None | $500–$1,500 | Predictable costs; routine and some major care |
| Standalone dental insurance | $100–$200 | 6–24 months | $1,000–$1,500 | Ongoing coverage; willing to wait for major work |
| Dental discount program | $7–$17 | None | None | Routine care only; no major work planned |
How to find and enroll in coverage
If you want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with dental, go to Medicare.gov, click "Find Care Providers & Suppliers," and search for plans in your area. You can compare dental benefits side by side. You can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event like losing employer coverage or moving.
For standalone dental insurance, search online for "dental insurance for seniors" or "dental insurance over 65" and compare plans from insurers like Humana, Aetna, and Delta Dental. Read the waiting period terms carefully — they vary by insurer and plan. You can enroll in a standalone plan any time of year, and coverage usually starts the first of the following month.
For dental discount programs, search for "dental discount plans" or "dental savings plans" and check that your preferred dentist is in the network before you pay. Programs like Careington and Dental365 are common, but availability varies by state and dentist.
What to do if you can't afford any option
If the cost of coverage is too high, look for free or low-cost dental clinics in your area. Many communities have federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) that offer sliding-scale dental care based on income. You can find them by searching "FQHC near me" or calling 211 to be referred to local resources.
Some dental schools also offer low-cost care performed by students under supervision. The work takes longer but costs significantly less than a private dentist. Search "[your state] dental school" to find programs near you.
If you need emergency care — a severe toothache or infection — some emergency rooms will treat you, though they typically extract the tooth rather than repair it. This is not a long-term solution but can help in crisis situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get dental coverage if I already have Original Medicare?
Yes. You can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with dental during the Annual Enrollment Period, or you can buy a standalone dental insurance plan or discount program at any time. Switching to an Advantage plan requires waiting until October 15 to December 7, but standalone plans and discount programs have no enrollment window.
Do I have to use a dentist in the plan's network?
With Medicare Advantage and most standalone insurance plans, yes — using an out-of-network dentist means you pay the full cost yourself. Discount programs also work only at participating dentists. Always check the network before you enroll.
What if I need a crown right away and don't want to wait?
A discount program or Medicare Advantage plan will cover it when ready with no waiting period. Standalone dental insurance usually has a 12 to 24 month waiting period for major work, so you'd pay out of pocket and can't use the plan until the waiting period ends.
How much does a crown cost without insurance?
A crown typically costs $800 to $1,500 at a private dentist, depending on the material and location. With a discount program, you might pay $500 to $900. With insurance, you pay a copay or coinsurance (often 50% of the cost after the deductible). Costs vary widely by dentist and region.
Can I have both Medicare Advantage with dental and a standalone dental plan?
Technically yes, but it's usually not worth the cost. You'd pay premiums for both, and the insurance plans would coordinate benefits, meaning one plan would be primary and the other would only pay what the first plan didn't cover. Most people choose one or the other.