Best Dental Insurance Plans for Seniors (2026)

Finding the right dental insurance plan as a senior takes some research. Original Medicare does not cover most dental care, which means you need to explore other options to protect your teeth and your budget. Dental costs have been rising steadily, with prices increasing about 3% in 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Without coverage, even routine care can become expensive.

This guide walks you through the main types of dental plans available to seniors, what features to compare, and how to decide which option may work best for your situation. Plans and coverage vary by location, so always check the specific details of any plan available in your area.

Types of Dental Insurance Plans for Seniors

Dental insurance comes in several forms. Each type has a different structure for premiums, networks, and how you access care. Here are the three main types you will encounter when shopping for dental coverage.

DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization)

A DHMO plan requires you to choose a primary care dentist from its network. All of your care goes through that dentist, and you need a referral to see a specialist. DHMO plans tend to have the lowest premiums, often under $20 per month. They usually have no deductibles and no annual maximums. However, you have less flexibility in choosing providers, and out-of-network care is typically not covered.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

PPO dental plans give you more freedom. You can see any dentist, but you pay less when you use in-network providers. You do not need referrals to see specialists. PPO plans are the most popular type of dental insurance. Premiums typically range from $30 to $60 per month. Most PPO plans have annual deductibles of $50 to $100 and annual maximums between $1,000 and $2,000.

Indemnity (Fee-for-Service)

Indemnity dental plans let you visit any dentist with no network restrictions. The plan pays a set percentage of each service, and you pay the rest. These plans offer the most flexibility but often have the highest premiums and may require you to pay upfront and file claims for reimbursement. They are less common than DHMO or PPO plans.

Key Features to Compare When Choosing a Plan

When comparing dental plans, there are several important features to look at side by side. Understanding these will help you avoid surprises and find the plan that fits your budget and dental needs.

• Monthly premium: This is what you pay each month for the plan. Dental plan premiums for seniors typically range from $20 to $60 per month for standalone plans. Lower premiums often mean a more restricted network or lower annual maximum.
• Annual maximum: Most dental plans cap how much they will pay per year, usually between $1,000 and $2,000. If you need extensive dental work like implants, which can cost $3,000 to $6,000, you may hit this limit quickly.
• Waiting periods: Many plans make you wait before covering certain services. Preventive care is usually available right away. Basic services may have a 3 to 6 month wait, and major services may require 6 to 12 months before coverage kicks in.
• Coverage percentages: The standard dental coverage structure is 100/80/50. That means the plan pays 100% of preventive services, 80% of basic services like fillings, and 50% of major services like crowns or dentures. Some plans offer different ratios.
• Provider network: Check whether your current dentist is in the plan's network. Using out-of-network dentists with a PPO plan means higher costs. With a DHMO, out-of-network care may not be covered at all.

Medicare Advantage Dental vs. Standalone Dental Plans

Seniors have two main paths to dental coverage: getting it through a Medicare Advantage plan or buying a standalone dental plan. As we explain in our article on whether Medicare covers dental, Original Medicare does not include dental benefits, so you need to choose one of these options.

Medicare Advantage plans bundle medical and often dental coverage together. According to CMS data, about 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 include some dental benefits. Many have $0 additional premium for basic dental services. The trade-off is that annual dental maximums in Medicare Advantage tend to be lower, often between $1,000 and $2,000, and you must use the plan's provider network for all your care, including medical.

Standalone dental plans give you more control over your dental coverage. You can pair them with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan. Premiums typically range from $20 to $60 per month, and annual maximums may go up to $2,000 or higher. The downside is the additional monthly cost and the potential for waiting periods on major services.

Dental Discount Plans as an Alternative

Dental discount plans are not insurance. Instead, you pay an annual fee, usually $80 to $200 per year, and receive discounted rates at participating dentists. Discounts typically range from 10% to 60% depending on the service. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to dental insurance vs. discount plans.

Discount plans have several features that appeal to some seniors:

• No waiting periods for any services
• No annual maximum on benefits
• No claims to file since you pay the discounted rate at the time of service
• Lower annual cost compared to monthly insurance premiums

However, discount plans do not cover any portion of your bill. You still pay for every service, just at a reduced rate. If you need major dental work, you could end up paying thousands of dollars even with the discount.

What to Look for in a Senior Dental Plan

When evaluating dental plans, seniors should think about their current dental health, expected needs, and budget. Here are some practical tips for narrowing down your choices.

1. Check if your dentist is in-network: If you have a dentist you trust, make sure they accept the plan you are considering. Switching dentists can be inconvenient, especially if you have ongoing treatment.
2. Estimate your annual dental costs: Add up the cost of your expected dental visits, then compare that to the plan premium plus any out-of-pocket costs. If you only need cleanings and exams, a low-cost plan or discount plan may be enough.
3. Consider waiting periods: If you need major dental work soon, a plan with a 12-month waiting period for major services will not help you in the short term. Look for plans with shorter or no waiting periods if you have urgent needs.
4. Look at the annual maximum: If you expect to need crowns, bridges, or implants, you will want a plan with a higher annual maximum. A $1,000 maximum may be used up quickly with just one major procedure.
5. Read the fine print on coverage percentages: A plan that covers 50% of major services still leaves you paying half the bill. For a $3,000 crown, that means $1,500 out of pocket. Make sure you understand your share of costs.

How Dental Costs Are Changing for Seniors

Dental care costs continue to rise across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental service prices increased approximately 3% in 2024. This is slightly above the overall rate of inflation and puts more pressure on seniors who are living on fixed incomes.

Here are some typical dental costs that seniors may face without insurance:

• Routine cleaning: $100 to $200
• Filling: $150 to $400
• Crown: $800 to $3,000
• Root canal: $700 to $1,500
• Dental implant: $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth
• Full dentures: $1,000 to $6,000

These costs underscore why having some form of dental coverage or discount plan can help protect your finances as you age.

How to Enroll in a Dental Plan

The enrollment process depends on which type of plan you choose. For a deeper look at pricing, visit our guide on how much dental insurance costs.

• Medicare Advantage: You can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or the Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). Some people qualify for Special Enrollment Periods based on life changes.
• Standalone dental plans: You can typically enroll at any time since these plans are not part of Medicare. Coverage usually starts on the first of the following month.
• Dental discount plans: These have no enrollment periods. You can join at any time, and savings are often available within a few days of signing up.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Dental Plan

Once you have dental coverage, there are several ways to make sure you get the most value from your plan.

• Use your preventive benefits: Most plans cover two cleanings and exams per year at 100%. These visits help catch problems early when they are less expensive to treat.
• Stay in-network: In-network dentists have agreed to charge lower negotiated rates. Even with a PPO plan that allows out-of-network visits, you will pay significantly less when you stay in-network.
• Time major procedures carefully: If you are near the end of the plan year and close to your annual maximum, ask your dentist about splitting treatment across two plan years so you can use two years of benefits.
• Ask for a pre-treatment estimate: Before starting any major dental work, ask your dentist to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company. This will give you a clear picture of what the plan will pay and what you will owe.

The Bottom Line

Dental coverage is an important part of your health care as a senior. The right plan depends on your dental health, your budget, and whether you want the flexibility of choosing any dentist. PPO plans offer the best balance of flexibility and cost for most seniors. DHMO plans can save you money if you are comfortable with a smaller network. Medicare Advantage plans are convenient if you want dental bundled with your medical coverage.

Take time to compare premiums, annual maximums, waiting periods, and provider networks. Consider how much dental care you expect to need in the coming year, and choose a plan that protects you from high out-of-pocket costs. Plans and coverage vary by location, so be sure to review the specific options available where you live.