Does Medicare Cover Dental? What You Need to Know in 2026

Dental health is a critical part of overall wellness, especially for older adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 90% of adults in the United States have experienced tooth decay at some point in their lives. Yet one of the most common surprises for people enrolling in Medicare is that Original Medicare does not cover most dental care.

This article explains what dental services Medicare does and does not cover, the exceptions that exist, and how you can get dental coverage through other options. Plans and coverage vary by location, so it is important to check the details of any plan available in your area.

What Original Medicare Covers (and Doesn't Cover) for Dental

Original Medicare is made up of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part includes coverage for most dental services. This has been the case since Medicare was established in 1965. The law specifically excludes services "in connection with the care, treatment, filling, removal, or replacement of teeth."

This means Original Medicare does not pay for:

• Routine dental exams and cleanings
• Fillings, crowns, or bridges
• Tooth extractions (in most cases)
• Dentures or dental plates
• Root canals
• Dental implants

For many Medicare beneficiaries, this gap in coverage can lead to high out-of-pocket costs or delayed dental care. Dental costs increased approximately 3% in 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and those costs continue to rise.

Exceptions: When Medicare Part A May Cover Dental Services

While Original Medicare excludes most dental care, there are specific medical situations where Medicare Part A may cover dental services. These exceptions apply when dental care is medically necessary as part of a covered inpatient hospital procedure.

Medicare Part A may cover dental exams and treatments in the following situations:

• Heart valve replacement: A dental exam may be required before surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Medicare may cover this exam as part of the overall procedure.
• Organ transplant: Dental clearance may be needed before a kidney transplant or other organ transplant to help prevent post-surgical infections.
• Cancer treatment: Radiation or chemotherapy involving the jaw area may require dental work beforehand. Medicare may cover this when it is directly related to the cancer treatment.
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD): Some dental services may be covered when they are necessary as part of treatment for kidney disease.

It is important to note that these exceptions are limited. Medicare only covers the dental services that are directly related to the medical procedure, not ongoing dental care after the procedure is complete.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Dental Coverage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but many also include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. According to CMS data, approximately 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 offer some form of dental benefit. You can learn more in our guide to Medicare Advantage plans with the best dental coverage.

Dental benefits in Medicare Advantage plans generally fall into two categories:

• Preventive dental: This typically includes routine exams, cleanings (usually two per year), and X-rays. Many plans offer these services with no additional copay beyond your plan premium.
• Comprehensive dental: Some plans also cover major services like fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, and even implants. These services usually come with copays or coinsurance, and there is often an annual maximum benefit, typically between $1,000 and $3,000.

Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks. You may need to see dentists who are in your plan's network to receive the full benefit. Plans and coverage vary by location, so you should compare options available in your area.

Standalone Dental Insurance Plans for Seniors

If you want to keep Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you can add dental coverage through a standalone dental insurance plan. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and are not connected to Medicare. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our article on how to add dental coverage to Medicare.

Standalone dental plans come in several types:

• DPPO (Dental Preferred Provider Organization): These plans offer a network of dentists at lower rates but also allow you to see out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Monthly premiums generally range from $20 to $60.
• DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization): These plans usually have lower premiums but require you to use dentists within the network. You typically choose a primary dentist and need referrals for specialists.
• Dental discount plans: These are not insurance. Instead, you pay an annual fee and receive discounted rates at participating dentists. Discounts typically range from 10% to 60% off standard fees.

Most standalone dental plans have waiting periods for major services, meaning you may need to be enrolled for 6 to 12 months before the plan covers procedures like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Preventive services like cleanings and exams are usually covered right away.

How Much Does Dental Care Cost Without Coverage?

Understanding the potential out-of-pocket costs for dental care can help you decide whether additional coverage makes sense for your situation. Here are some typical costs for common dental procedures without insurance:

• Routine cleaning: $100 to $300
• Dental X-rays: $25 to $250 depending on the type
• Filling: $150 to $400
• Crown: $800 to $1,500
• Root canal: $700 to $1,400
• Full dentures: $1,000 to $6,000
• Dental implant (single tooth): $3,000 to $5,000

These costs can add up quickly, particularly if you need multiple procedures. For seniors on a fixed income, having some form of dental coverage may help manage these expenses.

Other Ways to Get Affordable Dental Care on Medicare

Beyond Medicare Advantage and standalone plans, there are other resources that may help you access affordable dental care:

• Medicaid: If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), your state Medicaid program may cover dental services. Benefits vary widely by state.
• Community health centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer dental services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. You can find a center near you through HRSA.gov.
• Dental schools: Dental schools often provide care at reduced rates. Students perform the work under the supervision of licensed faculty members.
• State and local programs: Some states and counties offer dental programs specifically for seniors. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available in your community.

Why Dental Health Matters for Seniors

Dental health is closely connected to overall health. Research has shown links between poor oral health and several serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. For older adults, untreated dental problems can also lead to difficulty eating, malnutrition, and social isolation.

Regular dental care, including preventive visits twice a year, can help catch problems early and reduce the need for costly major procedures down the road. This is one reason why finding dental coverage is an important part of your overall Medicare planning.

How to Choose the Right Dental Coverage Option

The right dental coverage depends on your individual needs, budget, and preferences. Consider these factors when comparing your options. You can also read our guide to dental insurance options for retirees for more detailed information.

1. Assess your dental needs: If you only need routine cleanings and checkups, a plan with preventive-only coverage may be sufficient. If you anticipate needing major work, look for comprehensive coverage.
2. Compare total costs: Look beyond the monthly premium. Consider the annual maximum benefit, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance to understand your total potential costs.
3. Check the provider network: Make sure your current dentist is in the plan's network, or confirm that you are willing to switch to a network dentist.
4. Review waiting periods: Many standalone plans have waiting periods for major services. If you need work done soon, this is an important consideration.
5. Consider the full picture: If you are also looking for vision and hearing coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles all these benefits together may be more cost-effective than purchasing separate standalone plans.

The Bottom Line

Original Medicare does not cover most dental services. The exceptions are narrow and apply only when dental care is medically necessary for a covered inpatient procedure, such as a heart valve replacement or organ transplant. For routine and major dental care, you will need to look beyond Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans are the most common way Medicare beneficiaries get dental coverage, with about 98% of plans in 2026 offering some dental benefits. Standalone dental insurance plans and community resources are also options worth exploring. The key is to understand your needs, compare what is available in your area, and choose the coverage that fits your budget and health goals.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or visit Medicare.gov to explore the specific plans available to you.