Dental Insurance for Retirees: Your Complete Options Guide

Retirement brings many changes, and one that catches people off guard is losing dental coverage. When you leave your job, your employer-sponsored dental benefits usually end. If you are 65 or older and on Medicare, you quickly discover that Original Medicare does not cover most dental services. This leaves millions of retirees searching for affordable dental care on their own.

Dental health matters at every age, but it becomes especially important as you get older. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 96% of adults aged 65 and older have had cavities, and about 90% of all adults have experienced tooth decay at some point. Dental costs also continue to rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a roughly 3% increase in dental service prices in 2024.

This article covers five options for getting dental coverage in retirement, along with costs, pros, cons, and tips for choosing. Plans and coverage vary by location, so check the specific details of any plan in your area.

Why Retirees Lose Dental Coverage

Most working Americans get dental coverage through their employer. When you retire, that coverage typically ends. Some employers offer retiree health benefits that include dental, but this is becoming less common each year. Even when retiree dental benefits are offered, they may be limited or require you to pay the full premium.

Medicare was not designed to cover dental care. As we detail in our article on whether Medicare covers dental, the program specifically excludes services related to teeth, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures. This creates a significant gap that retirees need to fill on their own.

Without dental coverage, the costs of even routine care can add up quickly:

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

Option 1: Medicare Advantage Plans with Dental Benefits

For retirees aged 65 and older, Medicare Advantage (Part C) is the most popular way to get dental coverage. These plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and must cover everything Original Medicare covers. Most also add dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

About 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 offer some dental benefits, according to CMS data. Many have no extra premium beyond the standard Part B premium. Dental benefits in these plans often include:

• Preventive services like cleanings and exams, often with $0 copay
• Basic services like fillings and extractions with copays
• Major services like crowns and dentures (on some plans)
• Annual dental maximums typically between $1,000 and $2,000

The main trade-off is that Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks. You need to see in-network providers for all care, not just dental. This means switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage affects your entire health care setup.

Option 2: Standalone Dental Insurance Plans

Standalone dental plans let you add dental coverage without changing your Medicare setup. You keep Original Medicare and any Medigap plan you have. For detailed comparisons, see our guide to the best dental insurance plans for seniors.

Standalone dental plans come in three main types: DHMO, PPO, and indemnity. Premiums typically range from $20 to $60 per month. Most plans use the standard 100/80/50 coverage structure, meaning they cover 100% of preventive care, 80% of basic services, and 50% of major services.

The biggest drawback of standalone plans is waiting periods. Many plans require you to wait 6 to 12 months before they cover major services. If you need dental work right away, this can be a problem. You can find plans with shorter or no waiting periods, but they often charge higher premiums or have lower annual maximums.

Option 3: Dental Discount Plans

Dental discount plans are a membership-based alternative to insurance. You pay an annual fee, usually $80 to $200 per year, and receive discounts of 10% to 60% at participating dentists. They are not insurance and do not pay any portion of your dental bills. Instead, they give you access to negotiated lower rates.

Discount plans have several features that make them appealing to retirees:

• No waiting periods for any services
• No annual maximum on how much you can save
• Much lower annual cost than insurance premiums
• Can be used alongside other insurance

The downside is that you pay the entire cost of each service, just at a reduced rate. For major procedures, your out-of-pocket costs can still be thousands of dollars.

Option 4: Medicaid Dental Benefits

If your retirement income is low enough, you may qualify for Medicaid in your state. Many state Medicaid programs include dental benefits for adults. The level of dental coverage varies widely by state. Some states offer comprehensive dental care including preventive, basic, and major services. Others cover only emergency dental treatment.

Retirees who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles) can receive dental benefits through Medicaid to fill the gap left by Medicare. Contact your state Medicaid office or visit your state's Medicaid website to check eligibility requirements and available dental benefits.

Option 5: Community Resources and Dental Schools

If insurance or discount plans are not in your budget, there are community-based options that provide affordable dental care. These are especially helpful for retirees on very tight fixed incomes.

• Community health centers: Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are located throughout the country and offer dental services on a sliding fee scale based on income. You pay what you can afford. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) maintains a directory at FindAHealthCenter.hrsa.gov.
• Dental schools: Dental schools offer care at reduced prices, typically 30% to 50% less than a private dentist. Student dentists do the work under the direct supervision of licensed instructors. The care is thorough, but appointments take longer. There are about 70 accredited dental schools in the United States.
• Dental hygiene schools: If you just need cleanings and basic preventive care, dental hygiene schools can be an affordable option. Students perform cleanings under faculty supervision at very low cost.
• Free dental clinics: Some nonprofit organizations and charitable groups operate free dental clinics or offer periodic free dental care events. These are not always available year-round, but they can help with urgent needs.

Early Retirees Under 65: Special Considerations

If you retire before age 65, you are not yet eligible for Medicare or Medicare Advantage. This means your dental options are somewhat different. For a detailed look at this topic, see our article on dental insurance for early retirees under 65.

Early retirees under 65 have these main options for dental coverage:

• COBRA continuation: Continue your employer dental plan for up to 18 months, but you pay the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee.
• ACA Marketplace plans: Some ACA health plans include dental coverage, or you can buy a standalone dental plan through the Marketplace during open enrollment or with a qualifying life event.
• Private standalone dental plans: These can be purchased at any time and are available to people of all ages. Premiums for adults under 65 are generally similar to those for seniors, around $20 to $60 per month.
• Dental discount plans: Available to anyone regardless of age. Annual fees of $80 to $200 for discounts of 10% to 60%.

How to Choose the Right Dental Option for Your Retirement

Choosing the right dental coverage in retirement depends on several factors. Here is a step-by-step approach to help you decide.

1. Assess your current dental health: Do you have any known dental issues that need treatment? If you need major work like crowns or dentures, you will want a plan with good coverage for major services and short waiting periods.
2. Set your budget: Determine how much you can comfortably spend on dental coverage each month. Remember to factor in copays and deductibles, not just the premium.
3. Check your dentist's network: If you have a dentist you like, make sure they are in-network before choosing a plan. Switching dentists after decades of care can be uncomfortable.
4. Consider your overall Medicare setup: If you are happy with Original Medicare and Medigap, a standalone dental plan may be the best fit. If you are open to changing your entire Medicare setup, a Medicare Advantage plan with dental could save you money.
5. Compare multiple plans: Do not settle for the first plan you find. Compare at least three to five options side by side, looking at premiums, annual maximums, waiting periods, and covered services.

The Bottom Line

Losing dental coverage in retirement is a common challenge, but you have real options. Medicare Advantage plans offer a convenient and often low-cost way to add dental to your Medicare coverage. Standalone dental plans let you keep your current Medicare setup while adding dedicated dental benefits. Discount plans provide savings without the complexity of insurance. Medicaid may help if your income qualifies. And community resources like dental schools and health centers can fill the gap when other options are out of reach.

The most important thing is to have a plan. Going without dental care can lead to more expensive problems down the road. Take time to evaluate your needs, compare your options, and choose the path that fits your health and your budget. Plans and coverage vary by location, so always check the details of what is available where you live.